15th October - Cork Review (AW)

15th October – Cork

Going : Hurdle course - Good; Chase course – Good to Yielding (Times suggest Good)

Optimus Prime followed up his heavy ground Listowel win in the first, chasing was to be on his agenda but Liam Burke will keep him going over hurdles now. Breaking Silence was slightly disappointing in only finishing fourth but I get the impression he is a slow developing type despite already having some form to his name. The race was fairly uninspiring in the main.

The second race of the day saw the clash of recent winners, with Hide The Evidence coming out on top, Monty Mint back in second and the favourite Cleni Boy only managing third. The first three home are all good enough to find future success in handicaps.

Home Front struck for Paul Nolan in the third race, firmer ground is more to his liking and the winter ground may see him running his handicap mark down for better runs come the spring, although a trip over the sea has been mentioned, but only in weaker company. No doubt one to keep an eye out for, if turning up on a British racecourse.

Zum See put up a good show to win the better race of the day over fences. This does seem to be his level and he just doesn’t quite seem to make the grade when stepped up in class. Something worth bearing in mind when laying in the future. Urban Rebel back in third could never dominate. A crucial tactic for him.

Despite the very poor time I would expect there to be a few winners to come out of the 4-y-o maiden hurdle on the card, they will however have to stick to a poor level to achieve these wins, as this was a poorly run race. Roisin’s Prince narrowly defeated Gleann An Sagart. It’s important to note that the going may be crucial for a few of them. Navarra attracted the wrong kind of attention from the stewards. A dark horse for a weak handicap?

My favourite performance of the card was posted by Cailin Alainn, who survived a steward’s enquiry after cutting in front on Django. She looks a must on the shortlist for mares only novice chases, especially as this was her chasing debut. Rights Of Man and Romek should both find winning opportunities. Django is much tried now and looks tricky to win with.