Euro can lead the way again
He comes here in good shape, following a fine effort at Punchestown last month. Ridden aggressively from the front by Ruby Walsh, Euro Leader showed all the right qualities to beat Khairambar and Tiger Cry.
The handicapper, in his wisdom, decided there was no necessity to alter the selection’s current mark and, hopefully, Ruby Walsh’s mount can take advantage of the apparent generosity.
Back To Paris gets the nod to land a tight little one mile Charleville Handicap. He seemed to find ten furlongs, on rain-softened ground, further than he wanted to travel when disappointing behind Mr Jack Daniells at the Curragh last time.
Previously, however, Back To Paris looked a horse of some potential when swamping Key Mountain late over nine furlongs on fast ground at Fairyhouse.
Jim Bolger trains Back To Paris and he and Kevin Manning are fancied to also win the Mallow Maiden with National Swagger.
She’s not be overly trusted, but has a huge amount in hand at the weights on those who have already run.
The daughter of Giant’s Causeway was in a different league at Leopardstown when about four and a half lengths eighth of eight behind Barry Hills’ La Cucaracha in a Group Three.
Feature at Cork tomorrow is the Group Three Kerry Group EBF Nobless Stakes confined to fillies.
The most inexperienced horse in the field, David Wachman’s Magnolia Lane, is the one to beat. The daughter of Sadler’s Wells made an excellent start in a hot maiden at Leopardstown.
She was only grabbed late and beaten half a length by Scorpion with subsequent Roscommon winner, Menwaal, ten lengths further away in third.
It seems highly significant Kieren Fallon takes the ride, considering Ballydoyle has two representatives, Agenda and Queen Titi.
A big field is set to face the starter in the Charleville Cheese Maiden Hurdle and Christy Roche’s Martinstown, the mount of Tony McCoy, is obviously the most interesting candidate.
He looked a star of the future when winning two bumpers, but then lost his way somewhat and hasn’t been seen since finishing a remote 12th to The Railway Man at Leopardstown at Christmas.
He would have to show something positive before one could become a fan again and preference is for Colm Murphy’s Clew Bay Lodge.
He revelled in the fast surface on this track just over three weeks ago when taking a bumper by six lengths.
