Cork 3.15 - Grand National - Handicap Chase - 3 miles 4 furlongs - 14 run - Good

 

A tight handicap and a few who step up in trip here and if they prove their stamina it will clearly open up new avenues for them. This is a galloping Right Handed Track but not too many undulations and an ability to be at or near the pace is a big asset.

 

At the top of the market we have Hand over Fist upped in trip and off a further penalty, which may show some vulnerabilities. Outside The Door ticks all the right boxes but has been largely found by the market and I just feel a couple of the others have scope to improve and run equally as well at bigger odds. Stuzzikini has had a good summer, I'm never sure if "Good" Autumn ground is the same as "Good" Summer ground when you take into account the added moisture in the air and Elliot may have better options here. Sainte Dona is one for the TRACKER upped in trip with time to improve, and last year's winner Sir Bob was not lightly discounted but lacks the prep runs of last year and past evidence clearly supports the fact he usually needs that preparation.

 

I was really drawn to three horses, with 14 runners and some enhancements though I will suggest an investment in the top 2 rated and will note the third for reserve or back up purposes.

 

JUMPING JET somewhat jumps off the page at me, it has proven stamina over an extended 3 miles and 5 furlongs, has had a prep run and runs off a nice mark of 127 with a 7lbs Claimer up for Elliott. POSITIVE THINKER has been running right to and through the line over an extended 3 miles on some of the stiffer Irish tracks, is well worth a try at this trip at a Track like this which should suit it and again well enough handicapped off a mark of 126 with a 5lbs Claim.

 

My 3rd rated is SPHAGNUM @ 14/1 a progressive in form 3 year old Chaser and definitely one to follow, likes and needs Good ground so may be put away from heavy ground after this but more than capable of taking a hand here. (Sean)

 

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Cork 3.50 Handicap Hurdle - 2 miles 4 furlongs - 20 run - Good

 

At the top of the market SPRING MEADOW and Due Control carry penalties for wins and of the pair I most favour SPRING MEADOW. On Your Way makes handicap debut and is feared together with Burru who has a chance on summer form and Mag Dillane who has stamina questions. I will TRACK both Lady Nightingale and Queen Jane forwards after today's race; both are likely to be winning races when fully tuned up and race fit. At more speculative Odds is the "cliff horse" Rajin Cajun who continues to slip down the handicap and I'm convinced is about to fire! not today hopefully!

 

To join SPRING MEADOW, I like both GARCON DEUX who showed real signs of a revival last time and retains Blinkers today and the mark of 85 looks more and more competitive as you look at it and back over just the past 12-18 months. I also like GLENDARS MAHLER who is another who ran better last time and who was genuinely unlucky in running and at anything over 16/1 looks a really nice e/w option.

 

IF there is one at big odds for a bit of loose change then have a look at ROBYNDEGLORY who has changed Yards and who really looked rusty and in need of the run last time out, it may need this but is running back below its last win mark of 107 and one I absolutely want to keep on the right side of before the New Year! (Michael G)

 

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