Fran Berry's Irish racing preview as Gowran stages a good Flat card

Recommended bets, Wednesday August 12

1pt e.w. War Diary in 2.00 Gowran at 5/1

1pt win Oh So True in 3.30 Gowran at 11/2

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Some cracking stuff from Gowran Park this afternoon including the 12-furlong Mansionbet Supporting Irish Racing McEnery Cup Handicap.

The race has a lot of history and is always well supported, with three-year-olds always really dangerous at this time of year with the weight allowance and it's no surprise to see Numen and Aesop towards head of the market.

However, I like the five-year-old WAR DIARY (5/1 1/5 1,2,3,4 William Hill). I put him up at Galway in a similar race and the ground just went against him unfortunately. He pulled away his chance too and faded up the hill in the end which was disappointing.

But it's good ground here which will suit and he looks a fair each-way play with four places on offer.

There’s a valid excuse for his latest defeat and his previous run in a similar race at Cork was very good. I still think there’s a good day in him - hopefully it's this one.

Elsewhere, there are a few trappy maidens on the card but Donnacha O'Brien's OH SO TRUE (11/2 bet365) made a very promising debut on fast ground at the Curragh over 10 furlongs.

She was a touch disappointing next time when fourth albeit beaten less than two lengths before being stepped up to a mile-and-a-half for her last two runs.

Ridden with more restraint at Down Royal last time she finished her race off well but I do think the drop back to this nine-and-a-half furlongs is very much in her favour.

She’s a daughter of American Pharoah and this is the first time she’s got decent ground to race on since her debut. I think she’ll bounce back and go very, very well.

Posted at 1125 BST on 12/08/20

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