Thursday's Irish Racing Tips at Cork

Cork takes centre stage in Ireland on Thursday with a seven-race card that features two maiden hurdles and four handicaps hurdles, before finishing with a National Hunt flat race.

The action kicks off at 13:52 and runs through to the finale at 17:22 and we have provided selections and analysis for three of the races on Thursday’s card.

Selections

13:52 Cork - Mo Ghille Mar @ SP

The action kicks off with a tricky maiden hurdle over two miles, with several runners making their debuts over hurdles. With that in mind, the selection goes to the more experienced Mo Ghille Mar, who is looking to break his maiden tag over obstacles at the third time of asking.

Jessica Harrington’s four-year-old had a fairly decent stint over flats before making the switch to hurdles this season. He made his debut in the Grade 2 Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown on Boxing day, making it difficult to judge him on that performance.

He looked a lot more comfortable and offered more when third at Fairyhouse in January with ambitions lowered and with JJ Slevin renewing the partnership, this horse can use his experience to his advantage and put in a strong performance today.

16:12 Cork - Machismo @ SP

Gordon Elliot and Gigginstown unite once more and take charge at Cork this Thursday with Machismo; a Point to Point winner who finally got off the mark on New Year’s Day at Tramore.

He may have been unfortunate to run into a better horse at Thurles last time out, as he was held second to well-backed favourite Rushmount in that race. However, he now faces horses rated lower than the winner that day, and Machismo can put in a good showing off the same mark.

While his New Year’s Day victory at Thurles came on heavy ground he has previously shown that he has the ability to handle faster conditions, and with Finn Brickley claiming a handy 7lb there will be every opportunity he will be able to return to the winner’s enclosure.

16:47 Cork - Kalnoo @ SP

The final race over obstacles before the National Hunt Flat race at Cork is a competitive three-mile handicap hurdle. While many runners go into the race looking to regain some form, last year’s winning trainer Paul Steven Kiely holds a strong hand again with Kalnoo who looks poised to get the job done.

Despite still being a maiden, she gave a good account at Clonmel last month, posting a strong third-place finish. She remains off the same mark here today with Adam Ryan booked to take the saddle.

Her main danger will come from Siul Molly Siul, although Jayne Hearne’s charge will need to prove herself as she is significantly up in trip today. Now is as good a time as ever for Kiely’s mare to shake that 18-race maiden tag.

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