Branch Line goes for Gowran gold Andrew Slattery's Branch Line looks the one to beat in the featured Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Race at Gowran Park on Tuesday evening. The son of Rip Van Winkle arrives in good form after winning over an extended six furlongs at Limerick last month. He has form over a mile so this nine-and-a-half-furlong trip should not inconvenience him. It is worth noting that he was far from disgraced behind Irish Derby winner Capri in a Listed contest at Tipperary last August. Brendan Brackan's sister Elegant Pose won on debut in the Curragh and could provide stiff opposition. Similar sentiments apply to Gustavus Vassa who was victorious in his first outing at Down Royal. Masucci stayed on well for third in Limerick which gives him a good chance of collecting in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden. Dermot Weld and Jim Bolger are represented by newcomers Stellar Eclipse and Fiannaiocht respectively. County Wexford trainer Katy Brown had her first winner with Secret Memories at Wetherby in June and the three-year-old filly has to be respected in the Gowran Park Handicap off 3lb higher. Fascinating Lady appreciated quicker ground in Naas when finishing well for second. She has prospects of going one better in the BBQ Evening August 16th At Gowran Park Handicap. Magwadiri put in his best effort yet when runner-up over course and distance last month and is dangerous off a mark of 57. Punches Pious goes well at this track but would prefer slower ground so it may be best to side with Mystery Gal for the Thomastown Handicap over one mile. She has performed well over a mile and a quarter recently and should be doing her best work at the business end of this contest. Elzaa catches the eye in the www.gowranpark.ie Handicap. She was beaten less than five lengths into fourth by the highly regarded Jet Streaming at Leopardstown. Frankel filly Frima has been a beaten favourite when placed on both outings but could recover losses in the Racing Again July 22nd Fillies Maiden.
