14:30 Cork

Saturday 6 January 2018

All12:2012:5013:2513:5514:3015:0515:40

McCarthy Insurance Group Beginners Chase

Off time: 14:30 | Winning time: 5m 44.40s

Burgas¹¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Sean Flanagan| T: N Meade| OR: 135

10/3

Has yet to get off the mark after six runs over fences, but has been taking on some decent performers, including Sutton Manor at Down Royal last time. Has a clear chance in this company.

Form: 4373-32

Carrigmoorna Matt^p1²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: A E Lynch| T: V Halley| OR: 117| D

20/1

Fair hurdler who has been beaten quite a long way on both starts over fences. Connections reach for first-time cheekpieces in a bid to find extra.

Form: 137356

Drumconnor Lad^t¹⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: R Loughran| T: A Keatley| D

14/1

The winner of one of his four starts over hurdles, he made a fair start over fences, following a break, at Leopardstown recently. Can win over the bigger ostacles, but faces quite a stiff task.

Form: 3F317-4

Hawk Eye Down^t⁹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: Donagh Meyler| T: Paul Power

100/1

Winning point-to-pointer who drew a blank in nine starts over hurdles, Makes his chasing debut and looks one of the less likely types.

Form: 2-31304

Hidden Charmer²²⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: James J Doyle| T: P M J Doyle

33/1

Landed a Kilbeggan maiden hurdle in April, one of his six starts over timber. Makes his debut over fences following a lay-off and the market will indicate the strength of his chance.

Form: 4271-25

Livelovelaugh³⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| BF| D

4/7

Useful novice/handicap hurdler last season who made his chasing debut at Fairyhouse last month when third to a couple of talented rivals. Jumped well that day and, given he should strip fitter this time, looks the one to beat.

Form: 31043-3

Mannin Island^p,t⁴⁸

Age: 10| Weight: 11-12| J: D F O'Regan| T: S J Mahon| OR: 111

28/1

Without a victory over hurdles or fences at the age of 10. Not without signs of ability in five starts over fences, but others have stronger claims.

Form: 72-4645

Midnight Escape²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott

8/1

Winner of one of his three hurdles starts, but 0-3 over fences and was beaten a long way at Navan last time. Still early days for him and cannot be ruled out.

Form: 315-336

Oathkeeper¹³⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: J J Slevin| T: J P O'Brien| BF| D

14/1

Bumper and hurdles winner who was going well when falling on his chasing debut at Galway. Pulled up at Killarney last time and, while it is not beyond the realms of possibility he will bounce back, he does have questions to answer.

Form: 220-6FP

Spare Brakes^t²⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-12| J: Phillip Enright| T: R Tyner

50/1

Won a handicap hurdle at Listowel in September, but two subsequent runs over fences have not been so productive. Faces a stiff task.

Form: 58-3196

Forecasts

Livelovelaugh (4/7), Burgas (10/3), Midnight Escape (8/1), Drumconnor Lad (14/1), Oathkeeper (14/1), Carrigmoorna Matt (20/1), Mannin Island (28/1), Hidden Charmer (33/1), Spare Brakes (50/1), Hawk Eye Down (100/1)

Burgas has been running against some decent prospects, but will find this company more to his liking and has to go on the short list. However, narrow preference is for LIVELOVELAUGH, who made a pleasing debut over fences at Fairyhouse and can step up on that effort. Midnight Escape and Drumconnor Lad are not ruled out, while Oathkeeper would be a threat if returning to his best after a poor run last time.