UK Horse Racing Tips: Cork

The 101-rated NIL BUA GAN DUA merits plenty of respect. He was highly tried during his juvenile campaign after an opening fourth in a Curragh maiden and wasn't outclassed when third in a Group 2 at Leopardstown and fifth in a Group 3 at the same venue for Joseph O'Brien. He holds an Irish Derby entry, so a good run on seasonal reappearance looks more than probable. Tashakour has the advantage of race fitness after posting a promising runner-up berth in Navan at the end of March. He was nicely backed that day and there should be more to come from him. O'Brien also runs Chamonix who can improve upon an opening fifth at the Curragh.
Prediction : 1st Nil Bua Gan Dua 2nd Tashakour 3rd Chamonix

THE PUBLICAN'S SON actually made his debut for Joseph O'Brien in Group 3 company in the Curragh last summer where he ran more than creditably in second. A keeping-on fifth in the same grade at Leopardstown just under a fortnight ago ought to have left him spot on for this median auction race. Ghaiyyath colt Zia Zabel should make up into a three-year-old as he ran two solid races in juvenile maidens at the Curragh and Leopardstown. O'Brien also runs Dial Me In who got off the mark on racecourse debut in Leopardstown before finishing fourth when favourite at Killarney in July last year.
Prediction : 1st The Publicans Son 2nd Zia Zabel 3rd Dial Me In

LAUNCH TIME brought up plenty of bets in first-time cheekpieces in a big field at Leopardstown. He has gone up 7lb for that success, however, he remains in the same grade which is a massive help. The last time Jasmine Affanalis was seen on turf she was victorious at Tipperary and two recent spins on the all-weather track at Dundalk will have her ready for this assignment. Tero D'rosa is another to note.
Prediction : 1st Launch Time 2nd Jasmine Affanalis 3rd Tero Drosa

Those that have set foot on a racecourse haven't set an insurmountable target, so a chance is taken on Dermot Weld's newcomer ALMAZANN. By Zarak out of a Sea The Stars mare, he holds an Irish Derby entry and staying should be his forte. Enceladus (another Irish Derby entrant) finished third in a couple of maidens last season and could be a different proposition stepping up in trip to an extended 10 furlongs. Trojan Fighter showed signs of inexperience when fourth on debut at Navan last month and can take a step forward.
Prediction : 1st Almazann 2nd Enceladus 3rd Trojan Fighter

LIMESTONE is a half-brother to a horse that was beaten a neck into second in an Irish Derby and could develop into a useful stayer this season. He had a solid two-year-old campaign that yielded placed finishes at Killarney and Tipperary before he got off the mark at Listowel. The step up in trip should see him in a good light. Port Ferdinand is another who should relish the extra yardage after he scored over 7f on debut at Naas last autumn. Mr Vettori can also go well.
Prediction : 1st Limestone 2nd Port Ferdinand 3rd Mr Vettori

BAY COLONY doesn't look badly treated on a mark of 85. She was considered good enough to run in last year's Irish Oaks and although she finished in rear, there was plenty to like about her seasonal reappearance fourth in a valuable handicap at the Curragh at the start of the month. This is a drop in class, and trip, for Defiantly and, given the form of Joseph O'Brien's stable, he is entitled to healthy respect, likewise Quatre Bras.
Prediction : 1st Bay Colony 2nd Defiantly 3rd Quatre Bras

SERVARE received a hefty hike of 12lb from the handicapper, but it is difficult to argue with after he absolutely bolted up by seven lengths at Navan. He really relished the step up in trip and the extra yardage here should suit him nicely. Yousaynothingatall has to rate a danger on the back of her third place at Dundalk. Sea Of Dubka showed improvement when third on handicap debut at Dundalk and could build on that.
Prediction : 1st Servare 2nd Yousaynothingatall 3rd Sea Of Dubka