Priceless set to spark in Cork Oaks

The first round of the McCarthy Insurance Group Cork Oaks take place at Curraheen tonight and Priceless Spark rates nap material in the third of the four heats.

Paul Hennessy's bitch is a really classy sort and after a good trial around here earlier in the month, she ran out an impressive winner at Shelbourne.

Getting the better of Riverside Esther in the early stages will be the key to winning the race and as she has an edge in terms of class, she can be expected to make every yard of the running. Ballymac Cait really caught the eye last weekend and rates the value alternative.

Paul Hennessy could be in for a good night here as Shes A Tornado also holds very strong claims in the second heat.

Her most recent line of form, where which she beat Loughteen Blanco, stands out and she has a superb draw to boot. The bitch is unbeaten in four outings from trap one and, with winning form over course and distance, should prove very difficult to beat.

Francie Murray’s Smoke Pixie should get off to a winning start in the first heat. An impressive winner at Shelbourne at the start of the month, she missed the kick on her only competitive outing here but a recent 28.35 gives clear indication that she’s much better than that.

She's an inside seed but she won’t be inconvenienced by the draw here. She has the pace to beat these rivals and a reasonable break should ensure that.

The Other Year boasts fine Dublin form from early last year and may prove the biggest danger to Smoke Pixie.

Glenanore looks to have a chance to return to winning ways in the closing race. With two modest breakers on his inside, he should be able to take control early and move across to his favoured rails pitch. He can lead all the way.