Cork preview A Decent Excuse will bid to get back to winning ways when he lines up in the feature at Cork today, the Cork Racecourse Kinsale Handicap Chase. The Eugene O'Sullivan-trained eight-year-old won at Tramore and Killarney in August before disappointing on his last start at Listowel. He appeared to be tiring at the Co Kerry venue when he made a bad mistake six out and was subsequently pulled up. That Listowel run came on soft ground and back on a sounder surface now, a much improved performance can be expected. Gentleman Duke won this race 12 months ago and returns to defend his crown with Barry Geraghty aboard this time round. Henry de Bromhead saddles Tisamystery and Crown Theatre, who both look to have solid claims, while Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh team up with top-weight Un Beau Roman. Mullins and Walsh again combine with Westerner Lady in the I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle. This daughter of Westerner disappointed on her last start at Listowel and faces just four rivals in this three-mile contest. Four-time winner Prickly is sure to prove popular with punters, while Grecian Tiger and hurdling debutant Alamein complete the line-up. Again just four have been declared for the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Chase. Gordon Elliott is represented by Shadow Catcher and Nickname Exit, who was previously trained by Mullins. The former has finished second on his last three starts and another solid effort can be expected. Guitar Pete, who is a Grade One winner over hurdles, and recent Fairyhouse victor Padraigs Joy are the other two set to take part. Harry Kelly trains Padraigs Joy and he has Davids Jewel in the Christmas Party Package Handicap Hurdle. The six-year-old mare won her maiden over the course in August and makes her debut in handicap company now. The consistent He Is Top Class is likely to be prominent in the betting for this two-and-a-half-mile contest while other leading contenders are Give Her Bach, Authorative, Pilgrim Way, Bourissa and Fighting Days. Wate And Sea did it well at Limerick last weekend and might be able to follow up now in the Ticket Sales Online Handicap Hurdle. Hatch Hall, Tithonus and Annadiamond appear the three to focus on in the opening Corkracecourse.ie Maiden Hurdle, while the concluding Paddy Power Cork Grand National November 1st (Pro/Am) Flat Race looks a match between Babbling Stream (making his debut for Willie Mullins) and Exactoris.
