Runner-by-runner guide to Cork National 19 fences spread over three and a half miles on testing ground isn’t every horse’s cup of tea which may go some way to explain why only two favourites have won the Cork National in the last 17 years. This year’s race looks as wide open as any of those previous renewals with a big field of 14 set to face the starter at 3.15pm this afternoon. Leading online bookmaker bet365 will be offering a price boost on one runner in today’s Cork National and also enhanced place terms on selected races across both Ireland and the UK this afternoon so check out their website on the link below for the latest offers. Here is our runner-by-runner guide to today’s big race which should help to narrow down the field: No. 1 Diol Ker Has his first start of the season today and also his first run for Gordon Elliott having previously been trained by Noel Meade. He was last of the finishers in this race last year on seasonal debut before going on to run a blinder in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas when only beaten a short head. If fully fit he would have an each way chance. No. 2 Champagne Platinum Big money purchase after a point to point victory in 2018 and made a bright start to his career with Nicky Henderson, winning his first two racecourse starts later the same year. Only one victory in the intervening five years tells its own story. Last seen pulling up a long way from home in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse back in April. Unlikely to figure. No. 3 Royal Thief Another Gigginstown runner that has switched to Gordon Elliott (was trained by Henry de Bromhead). Lightly raced over fences and should have no issue with either the testing ground or race distance, but hasn’t run since finishing sixth in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham in March. Has won off a break before so no forlorn hope. No. 4 Cavalry Master Won four novice chases in 2021, but nothing since. Missed all of last season and has switched stables from Henry de Bromhead to Gordon Elliott for this season. Recent stable debut in Munster National at Limerick was devoid of promise and is a big outsider here. No. 5 Flash De Touzain Career best when third in Scottish Grand National on final start of last season at Ayr in April. Reappears here off an unchanged rating which bodes well and has won off a break in the past. Suspicion is that he wants better ground so on balance is passed over. No. 6 Walk Away Point to point winner at beginning of career, but remains a maiden over fences on the racecourse after six tries. Has kept some exalted company along the way, but his career has been blighted by long spells on the sidelines. Missed a recent intended comeback with a stone bruise and best watched here. No. 7 The Little Yank Thoroughly exposed hurdler and chaser. Has never raced beyond three miles and is best on significantly better ground. Wasn’t disgraced in the recent Munster National, but nothing to suggest the extra half mile of this contest will be of any benefit. Big outsider. No. 8 Everglow Is a son of Presenting which suggests he would prefer better ground. The lack of a recent run is also a concern as in the past he has taken a race or two to reach peak fitness. Unlikely winner. No. 9 Fairyhill Run The only mare in the race. Winless for over two years, but ran one of her better races when second in a handicap chase over two miles six furlongs at Listowel last time. Needs better ground to be seen at her best and an unlikely winner here. No. 10 Sir Bob Two recent hurdle runs will have knocked the cobwebs off and distinct possibility of a much improved performance back over fences here. Relishes testing ground and one to keep on the right side of despite his advancing years. Market support would be significant. No. 11 Salmanino Youngest in the line up at just seven. Has looked an out and out stayer and relishes testing ground. Lack of a run since February is a concern, but was in the process of running a big race on seasonal debut last November until unseating his rider at Fairyhouse. Worth a check in the betting. No. 12 Glenquin Castle Ran up a sequence of seven wins in a row in 2021 and firmly back on track recently with a chase win at Galway and followed that up with another solid effort over hurdles at Punchestown. Looks a serious contender with ground and distance holding no fears. No. 13 History Of Fashion Has ability, but often lets himself down with jumping errors. Poor comeback run when again made some poor jumps. If he managed to cut out the mistakes he could run a good race, but on balance is one to avoid. No. 14 Call The Tune Barry Connell’s lightly raced 9-year-old arrives fit from a couple of runs over hurdles and should relish this first try beyond three miles. His only previous victory came over three miles on heavy ground at Navan where he out-stayed the opposition. A strong contender despite being 3lbs out of the handicap proper. Suggested top three finishers: First - Glenquin Castle Second - Call The Tune Third - Sir Bob
