Lanturn to brighten up the Mallow evening

For a Monday evening meeting, Cork has produced a rather attractive version of its type, and, on what may emerge as a good day for punters, Lanturn looks something to bet on in the Mitsubishi McCarthy Handicap Hurdle.

A rather chequered period in Lanturn's career seems to have been ironed out since the eight-year-old has been asked to race over a distance of ground.

An 11-length defeat of Monalee Dante over two-and-a-half miles at Roscommon was followed by an even more impressive success over two miles and six in a Killarney handicap. It seems that a trip on fast ground suits Lanturn ideally, and he should get that here. Lanturn to beat Rodrigo is the forecast.

Rodrigo's trainer, Noel Meade, has Marsul in the novice hurdle and this Wexford winner on fast going should appreciate the drop back to two miles after fading up the hill behind Musical Mayhem at Galway.

Another horse who disappointed slightly at Galway was It's Time For A Win, who appeared to throw away a winning chance by hanging badly against Ratoath Gale. Cork, too, is a right-handed course, which is a concern, but Its Time For A Win, at his best, looks to have too much class for these.

Aidan O'Brien's Blue Lotus tops the weights in the six-furlong nursery, but Norex at the bottom of the handicap could be a value bet to beat him.

Norex ran very free over a mile at Bellewstown before running wide and out in the straight. She does have reasonable form over shorter distances, however, and at least there will be no bends here to negotiate.

Con Collins' Zilina beat Notluckytochange at the Curragh, form that gives her a clear chance in the sprint handicap, while the Galway winner Mattiocco can improve enough from that success to take the EBF Race.