Leopardstown tips: Gin can blossom in maiden

A general view of Leopardstown Racecourse. Picture: INPHO/Tommy Dickson

Gin Blossom can get off the mark at the fourth time of asking when she contests the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Fillies’ Maiden, the sixth race on this afternoon’s card in Leopardstown.

A close second in a Curragh maiden on debut, her next outing, at Gowran Park, appeared disappointing at first but the winner, Lemista, has gone on to win at listed and Group 3 level. Gin Blossom made her return in a Tipperary Maiden and, after a slow start, was never competitive. She stayed on well in the closing stages and is entitled to be a good bit better for that outing. The fitting of cheekpieces for the first time should serve to sharpen her up and, provided she doesn’t concede early ground again, she can be expected to reverse Tipperary form with Koola Buala and confirm it with Awkwafina, who made a promising debut and can improve.