Chasing contenders may grace Gowran

Gowran Park is set to stage it's annual Racing Festival next weekend (October 7 & 8) when the feature event is the National Lottery Champion Chase.

The key event on the opening day is the EBF Premier Nursery where local trainer Jim Bolger would appear to hold a particularly strong hand. However he may have to give sway on this occasion to the Frances Crowley-trained Kempes.

This one was an impressive winner last time out and Crowley, who saddled Saoire to land the Irish 1,000 Guineas this year, stated: "He is a really tough sort who goes on most any ground and we are upbeat about his chances."

Aidan O'Brien could well be the man to follow in the supporting races at Friday's meeting as a number of Ballydoyle bluebloods are set to take to the track for the first time.  

The Ballydoyle team is on the crest of a wave at the moment and with the rumour machine suggesting that there is still more to come from their juvenile ranks, observers will be watching the two maidens on Friday's card with particular interest.

On Saturday the attention switches exclusively to the jumping sphere when Beef Or Salmon is reported to be on course for a potential return to action.

This high-class performer has not quite hit the jackpot in the past couple of years, despite a series of big chasing wins, and his trainer Michael Hourigan is confident of a big show here.

He said: "The horse is in great form and he holds an alternative engagement at The Curragh on Sunday. Obviously we would like to run at Gowran, but a final decision will be made at declaration time on Friday morning."

Whatever that decision, Beef Or Salmon will need to have his feed well processed to cope with the challenge of War Of Attrition. In a race where second season chasers have an excellent record, he could put it up to the likely favourite.

Trainer Mouse Morris stated: "As long as the ground is safe he is an intended runner. He is in great form and ready for run."

These established chasing stars will be joined on the Gowran card by a couple of exciting fencing newcomers in high class hurdlers Accordion Etoile and Justified.

This pair are set to line up for the Lord Bagenal Inn Beginners Chase over 2m 1f and in what could potentially be one of the best novice chases of the season they look set to provide quite a spectacle.

Dusty Sheehy, trainer of Justified, said: "The horse is in great form and it looks the ideal place to start him off.  After plenty of rain locally the ground should be fine for him."

Accordion Etoile is already favourite with most firms for next year's Irish Independent Arkle Chase and his trainer Paul Nolan is similarly upbeat about his prospects, commenting: "We have been waiting to get the right conditions for him and this looks the ideal opportunity. The forecast is good and the horse is in great form."