Ruby: Here’s how Willie’s runners are looking at Cork And Downpatrick on Sunday

14.30 Downpatrick

Shoulda lied runs for Willie here, he’s had nine runs on the flat and has his first start over hurdles. He’s in good form but it is slightly worrying that he hasn’t managed to win on the flat off the mark he’s got. In saying that, he does look physically a stronger horse than maybe he was last year and maybe that will bring about the improvement in him. He has schooled really well and we think he’ll be in good order here but he’ll have to improve on his flat form. A flat rating of 61 would maybe make him a 105 or 106 hurdler. I don’t know if that’s good enough.

15.30 Downpatrick

Easy Gold hasn’t rode in a long time, since I was on him in Killarney and he got a bad cut. He’ll like the trip and I’d imagine he’ll improve for this run.

16.30 Downpatrick

Mary Sun runs in the Novice Hurdle here. She has a flat rating of around 95, which is debatable as her form is German so her rating has come from there. You’d be hoping that if you add 40 pounds on to a 95 rating that would make her a lot higher over hurdles than she is but she’s been very, very disappointing and we don’t know why.

She works nicely at home but her runs on the track have been way below what she’s shown to us. Even in the handicap I think you have to watch her, once bitten twice shy and this filly has been disappointing. If she goes and wins it then so be it but I couldn’t have huge confidence in her.

17.30 Downpatrick

Koroleva had a good first run at Killarney and then disappointed at Listowel but she’s a very light filly and the second run was probably one too many for her. She’s been well freshened up and strengthened up and she seems to be in good form so hopefully she’ll go close too.

16.20 Cork

He’s in really good form, Gustavus Vassa. He’s a great chance and I wouldn’t put anyone off backing him. We could’ve run a couple in the race but I think he’s in really good order. He was too keen the first time he ran and maybe he just didn’t stay in the heavy ground on the second outing but he’s in really good form and we couldn’t be happier with him.

16.50 Cork

First run for Legal Spin in the Maiden. He goes nicely but I’d say he’ll improve mentally for the run, he’s quite a green horse. We’ve a lot done with him but the penny’s just slow to drop with this fella. He’s not the sharpest tool in the box but he’ll improve with this.