Saint Le Fort can make it fifth time lucky at Cork
PROMISING EFFORT: Nelson County, far right, en route to finishing third to Westernersunrise at Fairyhouse last month. Picture: Healy Racing
The jumps action continues on Thursday afternoon in Cork Racecourse, where Saint Le Fort can gain a deserved breakthrough in the Voodoo Rooms Maiden Hurdle, the third race on the seven-race student race-day programme.
Philip Fenton’s five-year-old has had four racecourse appearances and finished in the places on three of them, most notably when third of 10 in a listed bumper won by Shuttle Diplomacy. That piece of form was back in March of last year, but it did no harm to the form to see the winner finishing third in the Champion Bumper at last week’s Cheltenham Festival.
Saint Le Fort has been hurdling since then, and he finished runner-up to Wonleg in a maiden at Roscommon in September and, off another absence, finished third behind Addragoole last month at Clonmel.
While he was left behind by the winner that day, he was noted sticking to his task quite well and should appreciate the step up to two and a half miles. Also in his favour will be the quicker ground, and the son of Ultra can take this at the expense of St Cuthbert’s Cave.
The latter is officially 5lbs higher than the selection and comes here on the back of a fine run in defeat behind Onlymammycanloveme. However, the seven-year-old is more exposed than the selection and may have to settle for a minor role once more.
Nelson County has strong claims in the Social Packs For The Easter Festival Handicap Hurdle. Ross O’Sullivan’s five-year-old showed promise in point-to-points but failed to figure in three decent maiden hurdles.
Last time out, on his handicap debut, there were signs of improvement as he stayed on to finish third behind Westernersunrise. That was over two and a half miles, and the run left the impression that he would improve further for an even more demanding test. He gets that this time and can make the most of the weight he receives from Machismo.
The last-named ran a fine race on his most recent outing, when runner-up to the smart Rushmount. Quite versatile with regard to ground, he has obvious claims, though he may have to settle for a minor role.
1:52 Hudson
2:27 Who’s In Midfield
3:02 Saint Le Fort (nap)
3:37 Luminous Light
4:12 Nelson County (NB)
4:47 Ar Aghaidh
5:22 Cinnabar Moth
1:52 Shaboozee
2:27 Comanche Moon
3:02 St Cuthbert’s Cave
3:37 Beggars Rock
4:12 Machismo
4:47 Twoplustwo Equals
5:22 Tricksofthetrade
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