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12:10 – Kilcruit
KILCRUIT is the first of several big stars to return to the racetrack for Willie Mullins at Cork on Sunday with Sean O’Keeffe once again replacing Paul Townend on big rides early doors this season. The six-year-old has been one of the most talked about horses over the past year since leaving the hands of Tony Mullins for life in Closutton with his brother Willie. The son of Stowaway is no doubt on the majority of ten to follow lists this season and should take all the beating on his first start over hurdles.
He hacked up first time out last season in a Navan bumper before winning at Leopardstown in February, finished second at Cheltenham in March, and then returned to glory in Grade 1 company at Punchestown. Sean O’Keeffe will surely sit handy considering the big field size with Harry Alonzo looking the horse to chase him home following good runs over the past year for Noel Meade with the in-form Denis O’Regan in the saddle.
NEW TO PADDY POWER?
12:40 – Dysart Dynamo
DYSART DYNAMO was impressive in both victories to date and can remain unbeaten by getting off the mark over hurdles for Willie Mullins. The son of Westerner ran freely when scoring easily at Clonmel in March, but the form of his bumper victory here at the Festival in April reads extremely well. Gordon Dai Dai enhanced the form by winning at Clonmel earlier this week, with Grand Jury, Ever Present, Forged In Fire and Lispendense all subsequent winners.
Elsewhere, Flame Bearer looks the biggest danger following a stylish winning performance when last seen at Limerick in March. The son of Fame And Glory could develop into a nice novice hurdler for the Doyles this season, while Marvel De Cerisy, Mahons Glory and The Waltzer look the obvious others to battle it out for place prize money by the Mullins selection.
13:10 – Chinx Of Light
Churchstonewarrior and Idas Bay meet again following a good recent battle at Thurles with Jonathan Sweeney’s runner giving 3Ibs to Noel Meade’s horse in this Grade 3 Novice Hurdle. The Gigginstown runner looks made for chasing next year and could reverse the form here having only suffered a half a length defeat on that occasion last month.
I think CHINX OF LIGHT could represent value on debut for new trainer John McConnell following a smart victory at Galway in October for Barry Fitzgerald. The soft ground conditions are ideal while the manner of his victory at Ballybrit suggests the step-up in trip will be to his advantage. A hold-up ride from Simon Torrens should be on the cards with this grey striking late to score on his third start.
13:45 – Concertista
The Grade 2 Mares Novices Chase looks another peach on the Cork card this Sunday with CONCERTISTA making her debut over fences for Willie Mullins. It’s another big ride for Sean O’Keeffe following Kilcruit earlier and before Energumene in the Hilly Way Chase. It says a lot about the mindset of Mullins and her schooling over fences that he’s happy to contest this graded race with the ground and trip looking ideal on her return.
Her task looks easier with Riviere D’etel declared to race at Navan on Saturday (at the time of writing) which means Magic Daze will be the biggest concern. The Henry De Bromhead mare improved for her debut third over fences at Galway to win easily here over course and distance last month. The Robcour runner will likely use her experience and make this a test from the front, while I wouldn’t rule out a good run from Dolcita who races for Willie Mullins having moved from Fergal O’Brien.
14:20 – Energumene
Despite the short price in the Hilly Way Chase, it’s worth speaking about the return ENERGUMENE for Willie Mullins and his Closutton team this Sunday afternoon. It was a shame we didn’t see him at Cheltenham due to a muscle injury, but all roads now lead towards Prestbury Park and the Queen Mother Champion Chase next March. The manner of his jumping as a novice clearly stood out last season with easy victories at Gowran Park, Naas, Leopardstown and Punchestown.
The Mullins team has dominated this race in the past decade with Notebook chasing the favourite home in a straight forecast bet looking the most obvious punting selection. We’ve also seen some big winning distances in this race over the years from the Mullins runners and despite Notebook having the fitness edge, Energumene could be that good to smash this race to pieces and win by a wide margin in the distance betting.
Cork betting tips:
12:10 – Kilcruit
12:40 – Dysart Dynamo
13:10 – Chinx Of Light
13:45 – Concertista
14:20 – Energumene
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