David Casey© Photo Healy Racing
David Casey did not enjoy much in the way of good fortune in sunny Wexford last Monday when he donned the Wicklow Bloodstock Limited silks aboard Ashjar.
Willie Mullins' short-priced favourite eventually had to settle for fourth place, but the same connections will doubtless hope for better at nearby Gowran Park with Vicky De L'Oasis in the 29 Gold Packages For Racing Rated Novice Hurdle.
The five-year-old has been consistent since joining the Closutton team from France, winning her first two and being placed on her last three outings. Rated 128, the likely market leader has a big chance of successfully conceding weight to her six opponents.
Elsewhere the JP McManus colours should feature prominently throughout the session, with Aidan O'Brien and Robbie Power set to combine with the champion owner to good effect, namely with Shield in the opener and Noah Webster later on.
The drop back in distance from three miles to two and a half can see Shield step up a place on his runner-up effort at Naas from before Cheltenham.
Many trainers adopt the 'keep them sweet by switching between codes' method and having run on the Polytrack last time, Noah Webster appears to have an each-way chance in the www.gowranpark.ie Handicap Hurdle. McManus also has Let's Celebrate (Mouse Morris) and Sort It Out (Eddie Harty) in this two-and-a-half-miler.
The famous green and gold colours will be carried by Ger Fox aboard the Robert Tyner-handled Capital Pursuit in the concluding Join Us On April 5th (Pro/Am) Flat Race.
A field of promising youngsters for this event should ensure no-one is leaving early and perhaps Killer Miller who was a big eyecatcher at Navan on his only start, can see them all off.
Elsewhere each-way backers would do well to consider the chances of Aracataca (2.50), Waltz Legend (4.35, though Kates Benefit looks a worthy favourite here) and previous course and distance winner Dont Tell De Purty in the Holiday In Kilkenny Handicap Chase at 5.10.
