WILLIE Mullins looks to have found a nice opportunity for Cash Back to get back into the winners’ enclosure down in Cork this afternoon.
The veteran cut out the running in the Galway Hurdle last week before fading late on but faces an easier task now in this two-mile-two conditions event.
With just six runners in the field he should get an easier lead this time and has shown this summer he still retains enough ability to land a race of this standard.
He ran very well to finish third in the Grade Three Grimes Hurdle on his previous outing at Tipperary and a repeat of that showing would make him hard to beat.
Paul Townend takes over in the plate now and he can get the fractions right in front.
Peter Fahey and Sam Ewing teamed up for a couple of nice winners at Galway and Suprise Package could be the danger.
He was an easy winner of the Imperial Cup at Sandown back in March 2022 but hasn't run over hurdles since finishing a well-beaten sixth behind Jonbon in Grade One company at Aintree the following month.
It was a decent run on the Flat when chasing home Banned at Ballinrobe last time but he still has a few questions to answer.
The Bosses Oscar wants further than this while Plains Indian looks to have a tough task at the weights. It's a tricky little affair but one that Cash Back could dominate from the front.
Mullins can also collect in the opening mares maiden hurdle with Moon Rise Beauty.
The Spanish Moon filly has been runner-up twice over timber, including over course and distance last month and should be good enough to win against her own sex now.
In the other maiden hurdle, recent Killarney bumper winner Minella Diamond can make a winning start over timber for Bill Lanigan.
He was a good winner in Kerry last time and has jumping experience having been placed in a couple of points-to-points.
The Beat Hollow gelding is preferred to Misty's Gift, who is becoming a touch frustrating at this stage.
In the concluding bumper Sonny Dont Go Away looks like another with an obvious chance for the champion trainer.
The Getaway gelding was second on his sole previous start at Kilbeggan and although that was back in May 2021 a lengthy absence is never a worry coming from that yard.
GARY CARSON’S CORK SELECTIONS
(Next best in brackets)
2.00 Moon Rise Beauty (Gaye Winnie)
2.33 Cash The Cheque (Brookie)
3.08 Minella Diamond (Misty's Gift)
3.43 Jenny Flex (Walk In Time)
4.18 Cash Back (nap) (Suprise Package)
4.53 Search For A Myth (King Ferdinand)
5.28 Sonny Dont Go Away (Royal Moon)
