Racecards
13:15 Cork (IRE)
Kerry Group Stayers Novice Hurdle (Grade 3) (Class 1)
- 5 Runners
- Distance: 3m
- Going: Heavy
- Surface: Turf
- €32,500 added
- Winner: €21,125
- 2nd: €6,175
- 3rd: €2,926
- 4th: €974
- Form 1/114-01
- Age 5
- Weight 11-0
- Trainer W P Mullins
- Jockey Paul Townend
made all, pressed briefly and pushed along 2 out, stayed on well from before last, comfortably
- Form 1-15112
- Age 5
- Weight 10-13
- Official Rating 128
- Trainer W P Mullins
- Jockey Danny Mullins
held up in 4th, dropped to last at 5th, detached and pushed along 6th, trailing from 4 out, pulled up after next
- Form 1-21
- Age 4
- Weight 10-9
- Trainer M F Morris
- Jockey M A Enright
tracked leader in 2nd, dropped to 3rd 4 out, soon pushed along, regained 2nd 3 out, pressed winner briefly 2 out, kept on same pace run-in
- Form 4117-21
- Age 6
- Weight 10-7
tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd 4 out, close 2nd entering straight, soon ridden, dropped to 3rd 3 out, moderate 3rd from next, kept on one paced
- Form 4516P-1
- Age 8
- Weight 10-7
- Official Rating 109
- Trainer T O'Brien
- Jockey D F O'Regan
held up in last, went 4th at 5th, ridden along 4 out, moderate 4th entering straight, no impression
Previous results
In depth
Verdict
Willie Mullins complicates matters by saddling Black Hercules and Ask Vic. The former, fourth in the Festival Bumper at Cheltenham, made a very encouraging debut over timber here last month and the runner-up hasn't let the form down. Ask Vic has won a bumper and scored three times over hurdles and though finding Martello Tower just too strong here last month it was a very good run behind a useful rival. NO MORE HEROES won bumpers at Leopardstown and Naas before defying a few novicey errors to make all at Punchestown. He had little to beat but was impressive and can complete a four-timer. Pulled Mussel looks a very nice chasing type for the future but has already proven himself in a bumper and a maiden hurdle while Alpha Des Obeaux won easily at Punchestown and a step-up to this trip can bring about more improvement.
Formwatch
Black Hercules (IRE) 1-6fav (11-12) Led and disputed, in front 5th, in command when awkward last, stayed on well run-in, easily, won at Cork 2m mdn hdl hvy in Nov beating A Hardy Nailer (11-5) by 2 1/4l, 14 ran.
Ask Vic (IRE) 2-1fav (10-13) In rear, pushed along to go moderate 3rd early straight, went 2nd approaching last, rider without whip and kept on without getting to winner close home, 2nd of 7, 3/4l behind Martello Tower (11-0) at Cork 3m nov hdl Grd 3 (1) sft in Nov.
Alpha Des Obeaux (FR) 4-6fav (11-7) Chased leader, challenged on inner from after 2 out, led before last, pushed out to assert run-in, easily,, won at Punchestown 2m 4f 4yo mdn hdl sft in Nov beating Altiepix (11-4) by 9l, 11 ran.
Annamatopoeia (IRE) 10-1 (10-13) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, 2nd 5 out, led and slight mistake 2 out, ridden clear before last, kept on strongly, comfortably (poor visibility), won at Thurles 2m 6f mdn hdl sft in Nov beating Pros 'n' Cons (10-12) by 7l, 18 ran.
Kilnockin Lady (IRE) 16-1 (11-7) Made all, not fluent 1st, jumped left 3rd and not fluent next, pressed straight, not fluent last, stayed on well run-in, won at Cork 2m 4f mares mdn hdl in May beating Teresa Lisbon (11-7) by 2 1/2l, 21 ran.
No More Heroes (IRE) 2-11fav (11-12) Made all, asserted before last, not extended, won at Punchestown 2m 6f mdn hdl sft in Nov beating Mells Theater (11-12) by 9l, 8 ran.
Pulled Mussel (IRE) 3-1 (11-12) Soon chased leaders, moderate 6th before 4th, closer in moderate 3rd from 4 out, challenged 2 out, led before last where not fluent, joined run-in, pushed out to assert closing stages, won at Cork 2m 4f mdn hdl sft in Nov beating Mike Mccann (11-12) by 1 1/4l, 14 ran.