Hi all,
The Sunday highlights are the Paddy Power Cork Grand National Handicap Chase (3:15). Another smallish field for a valuable handicap chase in Ireland as was the case with last month’s Munster National. Unlike the latter race just three are trained by Gordon Elliott. It’s a race that he’s twice since 2018.
Meanwhile this side of the Irish at Carlisle we have the normally informative Listed Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase (2:30). Six were declared for the race but two of them, Beauport and Monbeg Genius ran at Ascot on Saturday and are unlikely to run. Bass Rock won here on seasonal return last November and has only been out of the first two once on five starts at Carlisle. I don’t think we have seen the best of the 7-year-old over fences and he might be able to cause a bit of a surprise.
Cork
3:15 – Paddy Power Cork Grand National Handicap Chase (Listed Race) – 3m 4f
Royal Thief returned from a near 2-year absence to win at Punchestown in January and wasn’t disgraced when 6th of 23 in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham last time. First run for Gordon Elliott and for 234 days but he’s won off longer, so fitness won’t be an issue.
I fancied Walk Away for the Munster National, but he had to miss that race due to a bruised foot. He’s probably on a good mark but whether a real stamina test over 3m 4f is what he needs I’m unsure.
Flash De Touzaine’s latest success came at Galway in October 2022 on his seasonal appearance and ended last season with an excellent 3 ¼ length 3rd of 18 in the Scottish Grand National. Stays well and goes well with cut in the ground. Big chance.
Glenquin Castle wins his first share of race the latest of them coming at Galway (2m 6 ½ f) two starts back. That was a career best over fences by the 9-year-old and he produced a career best over hurdles last time. Hails from a yard that can prepare one for a race like this.
Sir Bob proved his stamina when a short head 2nd of 14 at the Punchestown Festival. Has returned with a couple of low key runs over inadequate trips over hurdles this autumn. The cheekpieces are back on and he should be seen in a better light today.
History Of Fashion was doing his best work at the finish when 2 ½ lengths and one place behind Sir Bob at Punchestown. Well beaten over 2m 4f on his seasonal return 36 days ago but should be fitter here. Handicapped to run well but is on a long losing run.
Carlisle
3:40 – Cumberland Handicap Chase (Class 3) – 3m 2f
Venetia Williams had a handicap chase winner at Ascot making their seasonal return and she could have another here with Laskalin. The 8-year-old didn’t really kick on after winning on seasonal return at Ludlow last November. Down a bit in class here and very much respected off top weight.
Irish challenger Street Value had looked set to go very close when falling at the last at Fairyhouse two starts back. Had a spin over hurdles 10 days ago and should be in the mix if his jumping holds up.
Flower Of Scotland improved to win the Scottish Borders National over 4m ½ f and was a good 3rd of 13 Edinburgh National next time. Has potential for better over stamina trips but may need the run on his seasonal return with other targets in mind.
Haute Estime got off the mark at the fourth attempt over fences when winning a novice chase at Warwick in March and followed up with a respectable 3rd of 6 in a Listed race at Perth. Still had every chance when falling three out in seasonal return at Perth 39 days ago. Has a good chance with a clear round.
Curragh
1:15 – Nituna was a close2nd of 19 over C&D two starts back and showed she remained in form when a ½ length 2nd of 12 at Leopardstown 14 days ago. Edging up the weights for not winning but should be bang there.
Zephron won at Cork in September and came back to form with a solid effort when 4th of 20 over C&D 5 days ago. Quick turnaround for the 6-year-old but a useful apprentice takes off a handy 7lb and big run could be forthcoming.
Betting Advice:
Cork
3:15 – Flash De Touzaine – 1pt win – 8/1 @ Ladbrokes and Sir Bob – 1pt win – 9/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
Carlisle
3:40 – Laskalin – 1pt win – 11/2 @ Coral & Ladbrokes and Street Value – 1pt win – 9/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
Curragh
1:15 – Nituna – 1pt win – 9/1 @ Bet365 & Coral and Zephron – 1pt win – 9/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes.
Cheers
John