Saturday’s Irish Racing Tips: A Corker From Cork

There’s an exciting card from Cork tomorrow with 3 big races ahead. I’ve previewed them and picked out what I think are 3 good value horses to keep an eye on.

McCarthy Insurance Group Rated Novice Hurdle

This contest is restricted to horses with a handicap mark of 120 or lower, and is very competitive as a result. That should ensure an open market, but there are plenty of reasons to like Ale Ambrosio (12.20), who was in the frame in handicaps at Fairyhouse and Leopardstown last month, and appears to be improving gradually. Jessie Harrington’s charge would have finished closer last time but for meeting trouble in the run, and she can go close under Paddy Kennedy. Wait Here will probably start favourite after chasing home Monotype at Limerick on his latest start, but Ale Ambrosio is worth marking up in form terms, and should offer some value.

McCarthy Insurance Group Beginners Chase

There was no shortage of promise in the chase debut of Livelovelaugh (2.30) at Fairyhouse early last month, and he would have gone very close but for losing momentum when having to be corrected at the last. Up to that point he had gone with enthusiasm in front and had jumped slickly on the whole. As a point winner, he promises to do better in this sphere than over timber, and the pair who beat him at Fairyhouse are useful prospects. Livelovelaugh is closely matched with Burgas on a line through Sutton Manor, who beat the latter at Down Royal on St Stephen’s Day. Unlike the selection, however, Burgas lacks an inclination to battle, and didn’t find much off the bridle at the northen venue. His sole win came in a maiden hurdle when still trained by Willie Mullins, and he looks booked for a place again.

McCarthy Insurance Group Handicap Chase

It was too far out to draw firm conclusions, but Captain Bizarro (3.05) was travelling well within himself when brought down at the third-last fence at Limerick ten days ago. He is worth supporting off the same mark here. Harry Kelly’s nine-year-old doesn’t have many miles on the clock, and was second in a beginners’ chase at Limerick last season, and this point winner is on a fair mark on that evidence. He seemed to be perked up by the fitting of blinkers last time, and with the headgear retained, can spring a minor surprise.

Tips:

Ale Ambrosio

Livelovelaugh

Captain Bizarro