Cork Saturday: Callanach can Strike for Duke on Handicap Bow

I think the irrepressible Brendan Duke will be celebrating when Callanach runs at Cork on Saturday

13:30 – Follow Cork Racecourse On Twitter Handicap

Comhghairdeas might be a mouthful, but backers of Andy Slattery’s son of Acclamation can just shout “come on my son” as this 4-y-o gelding attempts to make all the running under promising apprentice Ben Coen. Winner of a Curragh maiden and Tipperary handicap on contrasting ground last term, he looked to be in need of the run when a pleasing second in the mud at Naas the other day, and can get back to winning ways now. A wide draw in stall 11 should not inconvenience him, especially if his young rider allows him to plough his own furrow in the middle of the track.

Tip: Back  Comhghairdeas @ 

14:00 www.corkracecourse.ie Handicap

Brendan Duke’s Callanach can make a winning handicap debut after promising more than the figures suggest in maidens. He was a huge price on debut at Naas over a mile, and while he could only finish twelfth there, that doesn’t tell the story, and he looked the likeliest winner when briefly kicked into a clear lead off the bend only to stop quickly. He fared little better turned out quickly at Navan, but showed much more when fourth over seven furlongs at Limerick on his last qualifying run in a race won by Dermot Weld’s Rock Sound. He should find this extended six furloing trip ideal, and is open to plenty of improvement now he’s gained a handicap mark.

Bet: Back Callanach @ 

15:10 Newmarket Fillies Maiden

Willie McCreery has quickly shown himself an excellent trainer of fillies, as his exploits with Fiesolana have shown, and he’s gained a pair of listed wins with his 3-y-o fillies already this season. He has another good prospect here in the shape of Samasthiti, who shaped best of all when 6½ lengths second of 8 to Jaega at Leopardstown on her debut, having to negotiate a troubled passage through the pack. A daughter of Camelot, she will improve markedly for that considerate introduction, and it will be a surprise if she’s not challenging for black type sooner or later. She has Athena and Simiyna from the yards of Aidan O’Brien and Dermot Weld to beat, but looks the value call to confirm the excellent impression she made at Leopardstown.

Bet: Back  Samasthiti @