Today's tips at Cork: Clongowes poised to open account
Jim Bolger’s colt was well beaten into third place behind Finn McCool on debut, just ten days ago, but he left a fine impression, and should improve markedly for the effort. A nice prospect for the future, he can take this en route to better things.
Greenpanda is a speculative choice in the eight-and-a-half-furlong nursery. Gavin Cromwell’s colt caught the eye on debut, in a maiden which has worked out well, but he disappointed next time out, at Bellewstown.
He was dropped back to six furlongs for his most recent start and, given the manner of his previous efforts, that was never likely to suit.
However, he travelled better than he had done previously, giving rise to the notion he may have improved significantly for his experience.
The return to a longer trip should prompt that improvement and, with plenty of pace in the race, he should travel strongly off the pace before being delivered what will hopefully prove to be a winning run.
Cork hosts a national hunt programme tomorrow, and the progressive Blood Crazed Tiger can take the INH Stallion Owners’ EBF Novice Hurdle.
It took him five goes to win a bumper but he improved in his last two runs of last season when, given brilliant rides by Jamie Codd, he finished a close second to A Genie In Abottle and then earned his stripes with a smooth success at Roscommon.
He made his hurdling debut on his return, in a maiden hurdle over two and a half miles, and coasted home clear of Hows Patsy. The step up to three miles looks a good move for the gelding, and he can see off Oathkeeper.
At Naas tomorrow Spirit Of Valor can take the opening Tifrums EBF Maiden, for trainer Aidan O’Brien.
Clearly very green when making his debut last weekend at the Curragh, he ran the most remarkable race to be beaten just a length and a half, and with another half a furlong would likely have won quite comfortably.
He is turning out quickly, which is the only concern, as he looks a very exciting prospect and will take a world of beating.
