Mullins introduces German recruit at Gowran

Tony Mullins is looking forward to seeing how German recruit Erlkonig fares as he makes his Irish debut in the feature event at Gowran Park.

The four-year-old was considered good enough to run in the German Derby in Hamburg last summer and although he failed to cut much ice at Group One level, he signed off with victory in a conditions event at Hanover at the end of October.

He has been given a mark of 90 by the handicapper, making him the highest rated horse in the www.gowranpark.ie For Best Offers Rated Race.

Mullins said: "I don't know that much about him, to be honest. He came from Germany with some good form, but his lesser form was on softer ground. That wouldn't be ideal in terms of Saturday as it's going to be very testing in Gowran, but we'll see what happens.

"He was bought to go jumping really, but we thought we'd give him a couple of runs on the Flat first as he is showing plenty of speed at home. It will be good to find out a bit more about him."

Erlkonig heads a five-runner field for the extended nine-furlong contest, with Diplomat worthy of the utmost respect given the excellent early-season form of his trainer, Dermot Weld. Jim Bolger's Einsteins Folly, the Johnny Murtagh-trained Dalkova and Diesel Ten from Oliver Brady's yard complete the line-up.

The opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden looks a fairly moderate heat on paper, with Charles O'Brien's 70-rated filly Supernatural the best of those with previous form. Newcomers from the yards of Weld, Bolger and Andrew Oliver are worth a market check.

Weld's Silver Gauntlet heads the weights for the Gowran Park Centenary Weekend June 21st & 22nd Handicap, with Oliver's Fight U For It and Murtagh's Fix It both bringing decent winter form from Dundalk to the table.

The Racings Best Offer 19 Silver Package Handicap looks a good opportunity for the Bolger-trained New Regalia to open her account at the 13th attempt. The daughter of New Approach filled the runner-up spot four times in 2013 and deserves to get her head in front.

The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden is worth a watch, with Murtagh's Hardstone and John Oxx's Gentry both showing promise in previous starts. Aidan O'Brien and Bolger unleash newcomers in Thomas Wedgwood and Theophilus.