Lots Of Memories and Shane Butler are back at Cork today© Photo Healy Racing
There are many interesting aspects to Cork's card but it would be difficult to top the intrigue that the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Novice Chase carries.
With so much firepower in the National Hunt ranks now concentrated amongst such a small amount of connections, it's refreshing and exciting to see a talent like Lots Of Memories represent owners like Siobhain Fahey and John Breen, and trainer Paul Fahey.
Five pound claimer Shane Butler maintains his association with the 151-rated hurdler as he embarks on his chasing career.
Fahey recently reported: "I think he has improved since last year and he is ready to start off over fences. He improved no end last year and I think there is more to come from him.
"He popped over a few fences last season and his half-brother Hellberemembered improved with age. This lad is the second foal out of the dam and she won a point-to-point when she was nine so it is a slow maturing family.
"I think the extra year will stand to him. He did great for his summer break and he is a horse that we are really looking forward to."
A winner and third on his previous ventures at Cork, Lots Of Memories is certainly pitched in at the deep end here against Benemeade Blacklough, Rawnaq Subtle Ben The Crafty Butcher The King Of Brega and Painted Lady – all already victorious over the larger obstacles.
The other participant is Band Of Blood assessed as a 136-performer over flights and a point-to-point scorer in the past.
There's little doubt that this is a contest to be watched and re-watched.
Elsewhere Gigginstown House Stud unleash some of their promising youngsters and the Mouse Morris handled Alpha Des Obeaux a winner 'between the flags' at Tinahely, had enthusiasts in that sphere singing his praises last spring. Bryan Cooper will ride the French-bred in the opening maiden hurdle. Ice Cold Soul meanwhile, a brother to the Grade 1-placed Western Leader, runs in the Paddy Power Cork Grand National November 2nd (Pro/Am) Flat Race, for Noel Meade and Nina Carberry. He took the same 'point,' the four-year-old maiden at Belclare in March, that the legendary Best Mate won back in 1999.
Ruby Walsh could take the honours on Kicking King's half-brother, Bosman Rule in the 2.20, whilst the feature at 3.25, the Cork Racecourse Kinsale Handicap Chase, sees last year's first and second, The Amarillo Kid and Fosters Cross again do battle.
To top all that, champion hunter chaser Tammys Hill contests the handicap hurdle at 2.55.
