2.15 Paddy Mac Maiden Hurdle

2m 1f 65yds

Palamon can belatedly gain a first success over hurdles. A former winner on the flat, the Paul Nolan-trained gelding has shown enough since switching codes to suggest he is up to winning a race of this nature. Third in what is traditionally quite a strong juvenile race at Naas in January, the four-year-old was pulled up after being badly hampered in the Boodles at Cheltenham next time. His latest runner-up effort at Limerick would be good enough to win here.

Trustyourinstinct, who finished third of four in Grade 3 company at Naas in February has to be a live threat. Rated much higher than Palamon on the level, the Joseph O’Brien-trained gelding lacks the experience of the Nolan runner and will need to improve his jumping if he is to get competitive.

SELECTION: PALAMON

Next best: Trustyourinstinct

2.50 Buy Tickets Online At

www.corkracecourse.ie Rated

Novice Hurdle 2m 1f 65yds

Former Down Royal bumper winner Ossie’s Lodge can gain compensation for a narrow defeat at Fairyhouse over Easter. Having caught the eye on a couple of occasions in strong winter maidens, the Tony Martin-trained five-year-old was well supported to land a competitive handicap at the festival. However, having traded very short in running after the last, he was collared close home and beaten a nose.

Master Otis was well behind Ossie’s Lodge in that aforementioned contest but was travelling easily when making a bad mistake two out. To his credit, the grey rallied well but his chance had gone. It would be no surprise to see the pair finish much closer on this occasion.

SELECTION: OSSIE’S LODGE

Next best: Master Otis

3.25 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle 2m 3f 50yds

Rosalys, a bumper winner for Emma Lavelle last year, can step up on her hurdling/stable debut for Henry de Bromhead. The five-year-old showed definite promise on her Irish introduction when keeping on to finish fourth at Navan in September. Subsequently put away until the ground changed, the mare should be ideally suited to the forecast good going.

Cast A Spell, who struggled in listed company at Punchestown last month, had previously finished runner-up here over course and distance. Back in calmer waters, the Tom Hogan-trained six-year-old should make her presence felt.

SELECTION: ROSALYS

Next best: Cast A Spell

3.55 Follow Us On Twitter Handicap Hurdle 2m 4f

Recent Naas runner-up Downtherefordancin can go one place better in this competitive affair. The Gavin Cromwell-trained five-year-old led after two out and kept on well, only to be headed by what looked a well-handicapped rival close home. With seemingly nothing of that calibre amongst this opposition, the Passing Glance gelding can get his turn. Penny Jar looks a horse capable of improving on recent form now that the ground has begun to dry out. A three-time winner over flights, the eight-year-old is at his best on a sound surface.

SELECTION: DOWNTHEREFORDANCIN

Next best: Penny Jar

4.30 Racing Again May 21st Maiden Hurdle 3m 120yds

A chance is taken on Maxi Mac Gold, despite some reservations about his ability to act on quicker ground. Although yet to encounter good going, he is at least a half-brother to a horse who won under such conditions in France. On the balance of his maiden hurdle form, including when twice runner-up at this venue, he looks the one to beat in this ordinary contest.

Walk Away Harry, a disappointing favourite when well supported at Punchestown recently, is one who should certainly appreciate the better ground. The Charles Byrnes-trained gelding struggled all winter but is surely capable of turning the corner now that the weather has improved.

SELECTION: MAXI MAC GOLD

Next best: Walk Away Harry

5.05 Fraser Rutherford Handicap Hurdle 3m 120yds

Shock 40/1 Bellewstown winner Ma Hoey can follow up for Athea-based trainer Eoin McCarthy. Despite being a complete outsider at the Meath track last time, the eight-year-old was always prominent and held every chance when left clear at the last. A subsequent 7lb rise seemed fair in the circumstances and this race doesn’t look any better.

Tramore runner-up Toor Moon has yet to shed his maiden tag but the seven-year-old arrives here in better form than the majority of his rivals, so that in itself should make him one of the more likely winners.

SELECTION: MA HOEY

Next best: Toor Moon

5.40 Irish Stallion Farms EBF 4-y-o Fillies Bumper 2m 60yds

Churchfield Sunset, a half-sister to Ballyburn amongst others, catches the eye in this finale. Trainer Emmet Mullins has introduced some very smart bumper horses this year and the unraced daughter of Wings Of Eagles has the potential to add to that list.

It will be fascinating to see how strong the filly is in the market ahead of this first racecourse appearance.

By the same sire, twice-raced Leloopa has the experience to play a leading role. The James Barcoe-trained filly shaped well on two starts towards the end of last season. Harry Swan is an interesting booking for one of the smaller stables.

SELECTION: CHURCHFIELD SUNSET

Next best: Leloopa