Saturday racing preview: Bucanero Fuerte can make impression in Cork

Ryan Moore makes a rare visit to Mallow for three rides and all three have obvious chances.

Sat, 04 Apr, 2026 - 06:16

Darren Norris

The Easter feast of racing is upon us and Bucanero Fuerte can make a winning return to action in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Cork Stakes on Saturday’s Flat card at Mallow.

The Wootton Bassett colt has won first-time out in each of the last three seasons and a Naas success on his first start as a four-year-old last May set him up for a fine campaign.

A Group 3 triumph at the Curragh followed and he was then pitched into Group 1 company for the Flying Five Stakes where he ran a fine race to finish third to Arizona Blaze.

He was below that level when seventh in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint on his final start last season but given the form he showed in his two starts before Del Mar and his record fresh he should take the world of beating here.

Ryan Moore makes a rare visit to Mallow for three rides and all three have obvious chances.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained Signora was collared in the final 100 yards on seasonal reappearance at the Curragh last month but, with that run under her belt, ought to make amends in the Mallow Garden Festival 22nd, 23rd & 24th May Fillies Maiden while Nevermindtherain, a daughter of No Nay Never, can make a winning debut in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden.

Moore partners the Josph O’Brien-trained Wemightakedlongway in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Noblesse Stakes and the Australia filly, who acquitted herself well in Group 1 company last season, most notably when second in the Irish Oaks, should have too much class for her seven rivals.

The most appealing bet on Saturday’s Fairyhouse card comes in the RYBO Handicap Hurdle where Karbau is a strong fancy for Willie Mullins.

Sent off the 4-1 favourite for the County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, Karbou was given plenty to do and got stuck in traffic when attempting to mount his challenge, doing well in the circumstances to finish as close as sixth.

With better luck in running, he can gain compensation on Saturday.

Mullins and Paul Townend might also strike in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Handicap Hurdle Series Final where the consistent Fillyoureye has solid claims on his handicap debut.

FAIRYHOUSE

Darren Norris

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