Preview cork 1st Aug

Cork stages the JP McManus Hurdle and the leading owner is represented solely by likely outsider Valain.

Punters will be looking more towards Oneeightofamile, who had Won In The Dark back in third when scoring over two and a half miles at this venue. He will be expected to confirm that superiority, despite struggling when fancied for a big Flat handicap at Galway last week.

De Valira also ran at Ballybrit and isn't out of the reckoning either.

Mind The Steps failed to fire behind subsequent Galway scorer Double Seven at Tipperary and bids to make amends in the Cork Handicap Hurdle.

This is a competitive affair, however, with course and distance winners Career Move and Lightening Sky in opposition, as well as Green To Gold after a successful stint on the level.

There is very little in the way of recent winning form to go on in the Follow Us On Twitter Handicap Hurdle, although Sox's Girl was second in the Tipperary race won by Double Seven.

Ninth Legion beat all bar Sicilian Secret at Ballinrobe and sets the standard in the www.mallow.ie Hurdle.

The step up to three miles shouldn't be a problem because he graduated from the point-to-point ranks but, if he is found wanting for stamina, the one most likely to benefit is Page One Two Nine, who has been plying his trade over fences.

Last-start beaten favourites Park Ranger and Rebel Fitz lock horns in the opening corkracecourse.ie Maiden Hurdle (2.35), but they face an intriguing recruit from the Flat in the shape of Buy Back Bob.

Now with Tony Martin, the four-year-old was rated as high as 93 when in the care of Ger Lyons and changed hands for 140,000gns last autumn, while stablemate Asymmetrical will no doubt attract support for the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.