Gowran Park hosts an eight-race card on Tuesday, starting with three seven-furlong maidens featuring several debutants and promising newcomers. Here are three first-time runners to watch in County Kilkenny:
SWEET ZAROLINE
1:35 Gowran Park: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden (2yo) (7f)
Trained by Joseph O'Brien, the Churchill filly Sweet Zaroline makes her debut for Carriganóg Racing. Purchased for €120,000 at the Goffs Orby Book 1 sale, she is the first foal of Zofar Zogood, a half-sister to Listed winner Horoscope. Her pedigree suggests she may excel over further distances in the future, given the stamina in her lineage. Sweet Zaroline wears a tongue tie on debut and represents a yard with sixteen juvenile winners this season.
VENTRESS
1:35 Gowran Park: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden (2yo) (7f)
Another debutant to watch is Ventress, trained by Johnny Murtagh. This filly is by American Pharoah and is the first foal of the American-bred Galileo mare Born Of War, who is a sibling to Listed winner Fleet Review. Her pedigree includes the talented Rip Van Winkle, a three-time Group One winner. Ventress's debut is notable given the class in her family, and she is one to keep an eye on.
TASHIR
2:10 Gowran Park: Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C & G) Maiden (2yo) (7f)
Johnny Murtagh also trains Tashir, a Kingman colt and homebred for the Aga Khan. He is the first foal out of Tasalka, a mile-and-a-quarter winner, and is related to dual Listed winner Tarana, the dam of top fillies Tarnawa and Tahiyra. Tarnawa and Tahiyra are both high-class performers, adding notable pedigree to Tashir. Despite facing stiff competition from experienced runners like Monumental and Dante's Lad, Tashir's background suggests he could be a promising future prospect.