Keogie can go one place better at Gowran Park

The Noel Meade-trained Sergei Prokofiev colt finished second at the Curragh on his debut last month

Wed, 22 Apr, 2026 - 06:38

Darren Norris

Keogie can build on a promising debut effort in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden, the opening race on Wednesday’s seven-race Gowran Park card.

The Noel Meade-trained Sergei Prokofiev colt was sent off at odds of 16-1 in a 16-runner Curragh maiden last month where, despite a sluggish start, he beat all bar 2-1 favourite Breaking Dawn.

That Curragh contest was over six furlongs but the way Keogie travelled suggested he’ll be better over further so stepping up to a mile here ought to aid his cause.

On that basis, and on the assumption that he’ll be more streetwise on his second run, he gets the vote to deliver in the hands of Colin Keane.

The Joseph O’Brien-trained Perisher, third in a Cork handicap on his seasonal reappearance earlier this month, looks the biggest threat to the selection.

Elsewhere on the card, City Of Memphis is an intriguing runner in the Racing Again May 5th Race.

Trained by Paddy Twomey, the Sioux Nation filly has only made it to the track twice to date, running out an impressive winner of a six-furlong Cork maiden last May before running a fine race to finish fifth to Lake Victoria in the Irish 1000 Guineas just 19 days later.

The fact she hasn’t run since suggests she’s not the easiest to keep right but she’s clearly talented and this looks a good opportunity for her to make a winning start to her four-year-old campaign.

Should she prove ring-rusty on her first appearance for 332 days, Lord Massusus looks the one best placed to capitalise. Though only sixth in a listed contest at Leopardstown last week, he was beaten less than four lengths in a race won by The Lion In Winter. A repeat of that effort should see him in the mix here.

GOWRAN PARK

Darren Norris

4.48 Keogie (Nap)

5.18 Go Just Do It

5.48 Varshini

6.18 City Of Memphis (NB)

6.48 Imnotleavinyou

7.18 Zabriskie Point

7.48 Bhean Saibhre

Next best

4.48 Perisher

5.18 Sindagan