RACING: Classic form will be put to the test at Cork this afternoon where Luas Line can ride the rails to success for Kieren Fallon in the Listed Platinum Stakes.
The David Wachman-trained filly won the six-furlong maiden on this card last year but her greatest moment to date was when running a close third to Saoire in the Irish 1,000 Guineas in May.
Since then Luas Line has ventured overseas and a run behind Proclamation in the Jersey at York was followed by a 12,000 mile round-trip to Los Angeles for a $750,000 Grade One at Hollywood Park last month.
Fallon was due to travel too but other commitments meant he missed out on her final fourth placing to the top Japanese filly Cesario.
That was over a mile and a quarter but Luas Line is dropped back to a mile here and it should suit.
Her big threat today could come from the four-year-old Zarad who will attempt to provide John Oxx with a fourth consecutive win in the race.
A fine run under top weight at the Curragh last time indicates that today's forecast fast ground will be ideal for Zarad but Luas Line can prove her quality.
Other classic form will be put to the test in the Listed Give Thanks Stakes and the Jim Bolger trained Pictavia can prove an appropriate winner of a race named after Bolger's 1983 Irish Oaks winner.
This year's Irish Oaks will hold a key to the race as Mona Lisa, third at the Curragh, will again take on Pictavia who was a huge disappointment in that classic.
Quite clearly that form was completely wrong and it should be worth giving Pictavia another chance. Her third in the Epsom Oaks when clearly not acting on that unique course proved her quality.
Stuttgart is on a four-timer in the fillies handicap but could be up against a hardy opponent in Burren Rose who should relish the fast ground and who will appreciate racing against her own sex after running in a competitive Curragh handicap last time.
The other bank holiday fixture is at Naas and Colm O'Donoghue is in charge of the Aidan O'Brien trained Queen Titi in the fillies maiden.
Dermot Weld, fresh from saddling his 3,000th winner in Ireland at Galway last Friday, gives the well-bred Undercover Glamour a second start in this but Queen Titi's overall form, and her 100 rating, makes her hard to oppose.
Weld looks to have better claims in the juvenile maiden as For Appeal's course experience when fourth to Namaya could prove crucial against the Tommy Stack-trained newcomer Lightning Hit.
Ruby Walsh's mount Lorikeet can edge out Flaming James in the maiden hurdle while Inishmot Lady can take the apprentice handicap.
