1.50 Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden 1m

The Joseph O’Brien-trained Eighteenth Smiles can make his experience count here. A son of State Of Rest, the colt showed promise in this early maidens before a luckless passage when third in a Galway nursery on his penultimate start. Back in maiden class again last time, he kept on well to reach the frame. Stepping up to a mile for the first time could finally see him get his head in front.

With Luke McAteer in the saddle, Williamsburg looks the pick of the David Marnane-trained pair. Fourth at the Curragh earlier this month, the gelding wasn’t beat all that far and should benefit from an additional two furlongs now.

SELECTION: EIGHTEENTH SMILES

Next best: Williamsburg

2.25 Book Tickets Online At www.corkracecourse.ie

Apprentice Handicap 1m

Gowran Park runner-up Sayonara can go one place better. Prominent for much of that seven-furlong contest, the Andy Slattery-trained gelding lost his position early in the straight before rallying again close home. Stepping up to a mile should see the son of Kodiac in an even better light.

Well backed when fourth in that same Gowran race, Oppenheimer shouldn’t be far away. Although unable to raise his effort inside the final furlong, the Kevin Coleman-trained gelding stayed on nicely, suggesting that this longer trip will be very much in his favour.

SELECTION: SAYONARA

Next best: Oppenheimer

3.00 Glenvale Stud Race 7f

Fairyhouse maiden winner Bamako Beach can record a second career success. Just touched off on his first two starts, the Michael O’Callaghan-trained colt was highly tried on his third run when down the field in the Irish 2000 Guineas. Back in maiden company last time, he opened his account in a manner that suggested there was more to come.

Course and distance winner Gleneagle Bay shouldn’t be far away. Well treated by the race conditions, his jockey is able to claim a valuable 3lb on top of that.

SELECTION: BAMAKO BEACH

Next best: Gleneagle Bay

3.30 Coolmore Stud Little Big Bear Stakes (Group 3) 7f

Matron Stakes entry Cromac Quay gives the impression she can cope with this rise in class. Third on her debut at Leopardstown in April, the Jessica Harrington-trained filly had her excuses when second to a subsequent Group 1 placed filly at Naas next time. Following a hugely impressive maiden win at Leopardstown on her latest start, the daughter of Night Of Thunder can continue her progress.

Galway listed race winner Pivotal Attack rates the main danger. Placed twice at Group 3 level, the Joseph Murphy-trained filly has already proven she is good enough to be a force in this company. She is also declared for the Curragh on Saturday.

SELECTION: CROMAC QUAY

Next best: Pivotal Attack

4.05 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Abergwaun Stakes (Listed) 5f

Highly tried of late, last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint runner-up Brussels can make the most of this drop in class. A speedy sort at his best, the Aidan O’Brien-trained three-year-old holds strong claims over this fast five furlongs. It would be no surprise to see him regain the winning thread before another bid Stateside.

Kendall Roy, who has run some of his best races at this track, is of definite interest. Sixth in the Shergar Cup last time, the Kate McGivern-trained gelding had previously been a close-up third over course and distance.

SELECTION: BRUSSELS

Next best: Kendall Roy

4.40 Cork Maiden 6f

The Paddy Twomey-trained Otsana can strike on her second start. Fifth on her debut at the Curragh in July, the daughter of Cotai Glory only weakened inside the last furlong. Dropping back in trip here looks very much in her favour and the form of that aforementioned maiden has been well boosted in the interim.

A gradual improver with each run, the Fozzy Stack-trained Grande Cuvee can also make her presence felt. Runner-up at Dundalk last time, the filly won’t need to step up a great deal to go one better.

SELECTION: OTSANA

Next best: Grand Cuvee

5.15 Follow Us On Instagram Handicap 1m

Having not had the best of runs when fifth at Galway last time, Arch Enemy can make amends. A dual winner earlier in the season, the Paddy Magee-trained mare remains in good heart and can add a 10th career win. Sam Coen, who partnered Preparations to win at Tramore last time, has elected to side with the grey on this occasion.

Considering she was badly hampered in that aforementioned Tramore contest, Preparations did very well to win. Although Coen has passed her over in favour of the selection, the Andy Slattery-trained mare shouldn’t be far away.

SELECTION: ARCH ENEMY

Next best: Preparations