Hourigan has double prospects

The steeplechase races may be gone but the Cork track has proved the doubters wrong and has survived to host a St Stephen's Day card. Along with Down Royal, it provides the festive back-up to Leopardstown and maybe a few possible winners, too.

Michael Hourigan's focus may be on Thursday's Ericsson Chase and his veteran star Dorans Pride but the Patrickswell trainer should have an encouraging day before that - courtesy of a possible double.

Hourigan runs his 1999 Paddy Power Chase winner Inis Cara in the Doneraile Handicap Hurdle and with this one topping the weights, the in-form stable companion Mr Red Banner looks to have another winning opportunity.

Hourigan's runner Just Our Job looks to have a match on in the Fermoy Hurdle with the Pat Hughes trained Mumaris. Just Our Job has the edge on form behind Michael Mor and on official ratings has just 1lb in hand. It might be tight but maybe the handicapper has it right.

Elsewhere on the Cork card, there could be another double. The Co Wicklow-based trainer Philip Rothwell is one of the success stories of the year. He can add to his growing reputation with Runaway Jake in the opener while his horse in the last, Dabarsi is by the Arc winner Subotica and it could be worthwhile keeping an eye on any market moves.

The two divisions of the Midleton Maiden Hurdle could see the short-odds punters out in force as Native Rainbow and Cork Street, a length off Gardrum Park on its last start, look hard to oppose.

At Down Royal, the Francis Flood team look set to give the holiday crowd a very good start. Griffinstown Lad looks the obvious contender in the first, having run third to Noble Promise at Fairyhouse, while the form of Oggie Moran in the next looks irresistable. Just four and a half lengths and a neck off the SunAlliance Hurdle hope Be My Royal and Trevino on his last start, Oggie Moran is an automatic selection.

That will also apply for many punters to Wicked Crack who is on a three-timer in the three-mile handicap hurdle. Wicked Crack absolutely bolted up from Rosato at Fairyhouse last time and even a 12lb penalty for that shouldn't deny the Eddie Halestrained runner.

Noel Meade will be busy with his Leopardstown team but he sends the classy Snow Dragon for the Beginners Chase. This horse has disappointed recently but he did run alright behind Alcapone and Shiny Bay at Fairyhouse.