Smullen Set For Double Success

Racing returns in Ireland on Saturday with an all-flat fixture at Cork and there is also plenty of action across the water before Fairyhouse takes over centre stage on Sunday.

Weld’s Nice Prospect
The Cork Handicap over 10-furlongs was won in emphatic style by 20/1 shot Heartbreak City last season and while it’s unlikely that there’ll be anything of his calibre emerging from this year’s renewal, it is a race that can produce some decent animals.

In this running the selection is Sikandarabad for Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen. The Aga Khan owned four-year-old is a Galway Festival maiden winner who went on to finish second in the Irish Cambridgeshire last season.

And although he was unable to land a blow on Irish Champions Weekend at Leopardstown in a competitive handicap, this could be the time to get him for the first time this season.

Sikandarabad made his seasonal debut at Naas on their opening day but was no match for those in front in the Lincoln over a mile but the step up in trip could be the making of this horse…

…and there’s every chance that he’ll improve again over 12-furlongs but expect him to have a bit in hand of his rivals on this occasion.

Remarkable Smullen
Remarkable Lady looked a shade unlucky not to finish a bit closer at Leopardstown last week and the booking of Pat Smullen looks a notable one.

A rating of 72 might be on the favourable side for this filly who won a Tramore maiden last season and just couldn’t handle the step up to higher company after that. But, she looked to have enough ability to land a race of this nature when pitching up at Leopardstown and hopefully with a clearer run, she can make her mark here.

Recommended Bets:
Remarkable Lady (5/1) – 3:55 Cork
Sikandarabad (4/1) – 4:25 Cork

*Prices correct at time of publication