2:05 – Welcome to Student Raceday 2023 Maiden Hurdle
This isn’t the deepest race by any means and there is no doubt that Calico (Gordon Elliott) has achieved more than any of her 14 rivals.
She has a decent record behind several horses who ran with credit at the festival last week and looks certain to be involved in the finish, but with a record of 0-10 under rules, she is probably worth opposing. SNAPIUS must give 7lbs to the filly, but he was an 84-rated performer on the Flat, winning twice for Joseph O’Brien and perhaps importantly, showing that he knows how to win a race, which is a scarce commodity in this field. Buratino wouldn’t be a particularly strong source of hurdle winners, but Snapius has shown enough in his 5 starts over timber to suggest he can get his head in front in a race at this lowly level.
Based on the official ratings, he has 8lbs to find with Calico, but after just 5 starts he remains relatively unexposed, and it is interesting to see his connections keep him in maiden company rather than handicaps. The Nash yard had a decent winner at Limerick last week and they have operated at an 18% strike rate over hurdles at Cork in the last 5 seasons. With the booking of Rachel Blackmore an obvious plus and he probably won’t find a better opportunity to break his maiden tag over obstacles.
3:50 – Conway’s Yard “Egg and Spoon” Handicap Hurdle
There’s a big field going to post for this 3-mile handicap, but you can count the runners who can be considered as “in form” on one hand.
RUN FOR PAT looks a solid each-way bet here. A winner of 2 of his last 3 starts, he won nicely under Corey McGivern on his irish handicap debut at Fairyhouse 8-weeks ago. He travelled nicely through that race and went on to record a 3-length success. The form is nothing out of the ordinary, but the 4th placed Mercury Lane won next time out and with the allowance that Corey McGivern can claim here, Run for Pat is technically just 5lbs higher. That shouldn’t be enough to stop him giving his running and this looks to be a good opportunity for Gordon Elliott’s charge.
5:00 – Buy Tickets for the Easter Festival Now Mares INH Flat Race
Armed and Fabulous sets a fair standard after her 3rd placed finish at Punchestown on New Year’s Eve, but she was beaten by 16-lengths and with some questions over the strength of that form, she is worth opposing.
Jody Townend has a 29% strike rate when riding in bumpers for Willie Mullins at a Level Stakes Profit of + €12.46 and her mount, PURE NOTIONS looks worth backing on debut. A daughter of Grand Steeple Chase de Paris winner Princess D’Anjou, she is a half-sister to 4 winners and looks to have been found a good opportunity to get her own career off to a winning start.
