UK Horse Racing Tips: Cork

The ground was more testing when EDWARD THATCH finished third on debut at the Curragh and the forecast quicker surface can see the son of Blackbeard put the experience to good use to get off the mark second time around. Bit Of A Buzz also showed promise when introduced at Naas last month and is the pick of the rest with experience. Nation Blaze, Ballymackney and Queenofthewild are appealing newcomers to monitor in the betting.
Prediction : 1st Edward Thatch 2nd Bit Of A Buzz 3rd Nation Blaze

The Piper's Call brings some strong juvenile form to the table and it will be interesting to see how much he progresses as a three-year-old, but COOL AZUL is preferred today. The son of Blue Point didn't wilt when headed on his debut at the Curragh a fortnight ago, finishing second, and a similar level of performance might be good enough. Quicker ground could be the catalyst for improvement for a few of these, namely Kilmac Air and Ragaire. Even so, Sparky Sparky might offer a bigger threat.
Prediction : 1st Cool Azul 2nd The Pipers Call 3rd Sparky Sparky

Key Witness hit the woodwork on his stable debut in October and hasn't looked back since, winning twice at the Curragh including on his seasonal return last month. A 6lb rise for such a narrow success might be a bridge too far though and it is COLLECTING COIN that shades preference. The son of Lope De Vega didn't have much left in the tank over a mile at Limerick recently but he may well sustain that finishing effort now dropped to seven furlongs. Gleneagle Bay and Gerrit's Gem are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Collecting Coin 2nd Key Witness 3rd Gleneagle Bay

Cheveley Park runner-up Havana Anna could take all the beating if she's ready to roll first time out this season, but a chance can be taken on QUIET MUTINY. Gavin Cromwell's filly hasn't been seen since making a winning debut at Fairyhouse last July, but that form could hardly be any stronger given what runner-up Precise went on to achieve over the course of last season. Royal Bay Cen is no back number, but minor honours might be her best hope.
Prediction : 1st Quiet Mutiny 2nd Havana Anna 3rd Royal Bay Cen

Out of her depth in Listed company last time, LIFTING SAILS should be more at home in this grade. The daughter of Raven's Pass beat a subsequent winner four lengths at Bellewstown in October to win her maiden and Jessica Harrington's filly could prove better than her opening mark. Third on her reappearance, Navy Waters will likely improve for that pipe-opener, while Mocking is another to note stepping up in trip.
Prediction : 1st Lifting Sails 2nd Navy Waters 3rd Mocking

Arctic Assassin made a winning handicap debut when successful at the Curragh. He's not easily ruled out, but a chance is taken on KALIR. The son of Night Of Thunder has improved with every start in maiden company, culminating in a decent third at Dundalk on his reappearance, and it would be no surprise if Dermot Weld's charge proved to be ahead of the handicapper. Matilda Joslyngage is another worth a second look.
Prediction : 1st Kalir 2nd Arctic Assassin 3rd Matilda Joslyngage

Joseph O'Brien trained last year's winner and a bold bid is expected from his filly YOUSAYNOTHINGATALL. She appeared to run out of steam in the closing stages when finishing a close third over 1m4f here last time, so this drop back in distance looks the logical move. Fourth at Dundalk on debut in November, Contrite will have benefitted for that experience, while Dreamkeeper is another likely improver.
Prediction : 1st Yousaynothingatall 2nd Contrite 3rd Dreamkeeper

It would be very surprising if ATOMIC CITY emerged as his yard's best hope for the Irish Derby. However, this is a far more realistic entry and a possible route to success for the time being. Having finished a close-up third in a decent maiden at the Curragh on his reappearance, this son of Ghaiyyath looks the one to be with. Other potential improvers include Gaelic Drills and the Juddmonte-owned pair Amrum and Abbotsford.
Prediction : 1st Atomic City 2nd Gaelic Drills 3rd Amrum