5th November - Cork Review (AW)

5th November – Cork

Going; Good to Yielding, changed to Yielding (Times suggest Good to Soft)

The opener went to Kells Castle. John Cullen was always up with the pace and sat cleverly in behind the long time leader Miyajima after making some of the early pace. As the leader tired Cullen slowed his own horse before the final bend and then produced a run that took the sting out of the fancied Aerlite Ruler. It is not a race to get carried away with but it may be worth keeping an eye on Aerlite Ruler who is clearly in good heart and can possibly find a winning opportunity soon.

Footy Facts provided an informative display as to what to expect this year as he landed the staying novice race in easy fashion. A classy individual, in a field of better than average horses. I maintain the idea that Eternal Lady will surely find a chance to win, particularly if stepping into mares’ races and especially in really heavy ground.

Penny Hall did one of two things for me, it confirmed his performance at Punchestown, but also encouraged me to think that I may be right about fellow J P McManus owned Walk Over, who he lost to in that Punchestown race. I’m convinced after this that Walk Over has a national of some sort in him and was pleased with the staying performance of Penny Hall. In behind Camptect ran a good race whilst making me think he would not struggle to land a contest despite his age, as he doesn’t have too many miles on the clock. Dix Villez put up a great performance back in third and definitely has a win in him. Despite his obvious claims in respect of the company that he is able to keep, good going is essential and he has a nice prize in him this season.

It was nice to see Robert Tyner with a similarly exciting prospect as Footy Facts as Ask The Master found it all too easy to beat Corrigeenroe in the maiden hurdle. Those in behind were nothing special but this winner is a nice horse and one that may escape under the radar when stepped up in class, providing a bit of betting value.

Anothercoppercoast saw off favourite Mossbank on his chase debut. Connections had been waiting a long time for him to go chasing and it is clear that they have a nice prospect on their hands. Mossbank does very little for me and I think he is providing poor value as a possibly overrated runner. Django provides a fair form yardstick; whilst Mounthenry is struggling to enjoy chasing in the same way he did hurdles. Personally I think he just needs a little time and that they are trying to force an early career win too much now.

Total Victory is fit and finding these races for juveniles to his liking. I think he will find the pressure when the bar is raised however, but Tom Hogan is managing to pick off some of these easier contests with relative ease.