The ground down around Mallow in Cork gives a new definition to the description bottomless and, that being where the county’s racecourse is located, matters can develop into a bit of slog round there and it might be the way again there tonight.
The going at the course is described as heavy this morning and the ability to handle that will prove important to the chances of all comers on the seven-race card.
The 19:40, a 3M handicap hurdle, takes our attention on there’s a couple in there we like in the 17-runner field.
Nicole’s Milan is a worthy favourite for Sean Ahearne under Davy Russell - he’s well treated back over the smaller obstacles following unseating his rider over jumps when last seen at Punchestown. A little confidence booster over timber might be just what the doctor ordered for him. He’ll go close under the same man that guided him to victory last time.
The preference, though, is for the lightly-raced Wood Emery of Dennis O’Regan’s. A winner on heavy ground over today’s trip at Punchestown in March with a couple of future winners in behind, he returns following a two-month absence and is very feasibly treated indeed off a mark of 99. He can get what could be a fruitful campaign up and running in Munster this evening.
Morning prices of 8/1, with four places on offer, can be taken readily with an each-way safety net. All being well, this son of Califet can be on the premises of winning at the very least.
