After the excitement of Derby weekend it's back to more bread and butter material at Cork this evening, but the two steeplechases look to be quite interesting contests.
The handicap sees David Kiely's mare Triptodicks attempt a hat-trick and it will be a brave punter who takes a stand against her.
Triptodicks was a very easy winner at Kilbeggan at the end of May over Iona Flyer and Cristy's Picnic and then confirmed her well being with a comfortable three and a half length defeat of the classy Padre Mio over this course and distance 10 days ago.
Admittedly, Padre Mio was conceding over a stone but Triptodicks did look to win with something in hand and is taken to get the better of the top-weight Nicholls Cross who made an encouraging reappearance at Gowran behind How Ran On.
The Beginners Chase sees Kings Banquet have a second race over fences and Noel Meade's strapping gelding is selected. Kings Banquet looked to have a fight on his hands at Kilbeggan when disputing the lead with Ballyrihy Boy only for the latter to crash out at the third last. Many believed afterwards that Ballyrihy Boy would have won but he has been beaten by Waydante since and again fell afterwards, not encouraging considering Cork's stiff obstacles.
Kings Banquet appeared as if that first chase effort would do him good and he is a horse of some potential.
On the flat, Aidan O'Brien reintroduces the Fairy King filly Highland Queen in the opener. This one hasn't run since fourth to the smart Camargo at the Curragh at the start of May last year but, in the absence of any obviously smart dangers, Highland Queen will surely go close.
Silvian Bliss, third to the runaway winner Silverware at the Curragh on Friday evening, makes a quick reappearance in the seven furlong handicap but a horse who makes an even quicker reappearance is Mr McKen - a close fifth to The Third Curate on Saturday - who may be better suited by the trip.
Another weekend runner was Sukeena, who finished fourth to Rainbows Forever, and she is preferred to Dermot Weld's newcomer Seasonal Style in the nine furlong maiden, while the Dundalk winner Hands And Heels looks the pick in the bumper.
Trainer John Wainwright has snapped up the services of champion jockey Kieren Fallon for Via Spericolata in the Listed Sino Group Dragon Trophy at Sandown on Friday. Via Spericolata finished fifth in the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot last time and Wainwright explained: "She was only beaten just over a length and I was very pleased with her. I'm very hopeful about her chances at Sandown."
