Cork
1.10 Gordon Elliott saddles two runners both making their debuts over hurdles. Canna was runner up in maidens at Doncaster and Warwick while Musawama won a couple of times on the all weather over 10 furlongs. The Quiet Hawk won a maiden hurdle at Killarney in August but may be better on decent ground.
1.40 Taraval was 4th in a novice hurdle at the Listowel festival.
2.15 Cork Grand National. Another Palm is a thorough stayer that jumps well. Somatic is versatile when it comes to ground conditions. He won a point to point on heavy ground. Smoking Aces had a poor season last term but his latest start was more encouraging last month when flashing home on third at Punchestown.
2.45 Jetson won a bumper at Navan last season and was placed 3 times in novice hurdles.
3.20 First Lieutenant was beaten a nose by De Valera here last month but has scope for improvement and I feel he can turn the tables on his rival this time. Stephanie Kate was running well until falling and remains a nice prospect.
3.50 Great Work was 7th of 20 here lasat month. He goes best on good ground. Irish Poli made an encouraging return from injury when 3rd at Tramore last month but was then pulled up at Clonmel.
Market Rasen
2.50 Mister Hyde won at Towcester and Plumpton last season. He is potentially quite well handicapped and has the benefit of a recent run.
Ffos Las
1.00 Rebecca Curtis saddles two here, Peckhamecho and Salomo. The former has always been well regarded by the trainer. He won at Wincanton last season and ran well enough on his return at Cheltenham last month. Salomo was a winner on the flat at Deauville but was well down the field on his hurdles bow at Chepstow last month. Bygones in Brid won a bumper at Musselburgh before joining Alan King. Of the two trainers King’s horses seem in better from at the moment and that tilts the balance for me in favour of Bygones of Brid.
1.30 Kings Sunset won an Irish point to point the form of which has since worked out well. Saint Luke won 3 bumpers including one here but as yet has not made the expected transition to hurdling.
2.05 Habbie Simpson represents Alan King. He ran well in decent co0mpany over hurdles and looks the type to do well over frences. Marleno was a well backed favourite at Startford when falling 6th out. He was going well at the time and if putting in a clear round could be a threat.
2.35 Fishoutofwater won handicap hurdles at Worcester and Bangor in May. He was pulled up on his chase debut at Chepstow but was pulled up.
Nap of the day – First Lieutenant
Picture courtesy of the artist Sarah Clegg
ahorse 