Group 3 winner Flight Risk bids to defy penalty for another Listed success

2.35 Cork
Matchbook Straight Seven Platinum Stakes | 7f | Listed | 3yo+ | RTV

Flight Risk, no back number at the age of eight, sets the standard in this Listed race which is being run over a new distance after Cork unveiled its new look straight course, stretching to seven furlongs, in May.

Jim Bolger's multiple Group 3 winner, rated 109, heads the field under Kevin Manning for the Matchbook-sponsored race which was previously run over a mile.

The veteran was last seen finishing fifth, five and a half lengths behind Prix Jacques le Marois winner Romanised, at the Curragh four weeks ago.

With a Group 3 and Listed win this year, Flight Risk must give 5lb to the generally reliable Marshall Jennings, who is fresh from an excellent fifth to Saltonstall in the Colm Quinn BMW Mile at Galway last month.

The seven-year-old forms a two-pronged attack on the race for Jessica Harrington with three-year-old filly Chocolate Music getting 10lb from her stabelemate.

Shane Foley partners Chocolate Music, who was forced to take the scenic route at Galway when a solid fifth in Listed company to Surrounding and finishing two places behind Black Magic Woman, who reopposes.

Marshall Jennings produced a solid showing at Galway behind SaltonstallCredit: Patrick McCann

Harrington said: "Marshall Jennings ran a great race at Galway and I'm just hoping that it doesn't go too soft for him.

"The ground was described as good-to-yielding on Friday morning and that would probably be perfect for him.

"Chocolate Music ran well at Galway considering she was drawn wide and was forced wide for much of the way. I think the straight seven at Cork should suit her well."

Black Magic Woman's trainer Jack Davison, who would not mind more rain for his three-year-old, said: "She ran very well at Galway and hopefully she can put up another good performance. The more ease in the ground, the better her chances."

John Oxx, on the other hand, is hoping the ground does not get too testing for his useful three-year-old Manjeer, who earlier this season got closest to Irish 2,000 Guineas third Decrypt at Cork.

"I think the straight track will suit him better than at Killarney last time," said Oxx. "He has plenty to find on ratings and hopefully the ground doesn't turn too much but he seems in good form."

Austin Leahy saddles the mud-loving multiple winner Drombeg Dream, who will not mind any more rainfall.

Leahy said: "She's quite ground dependent and it's a pity they only had 3mm of rain on Thursday evening. She seems in good fettle anyway and hopefully she can run well."

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