Geraghty keen on Cork´s chances

Barry Geraghty rates Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices´ Hurdle contender Cork All Star as his best chance of a Cheltenham victory.

The six-year-old, winner of last year´s Champion Bumper, is a best-priced 10-1 for the Festival opener after finishing second in a Leopardstown Grade One last time.

Although Cork All Star has not won since making his hurdling debut last October, Geraghty retains faith in the Jessica Harrington-trained runner.

"The horse I´m looking forward to most of all would be Cork All Star in the opener. If he were to return to his best form he would have a good chance," said the rider.

"He would have won the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse in December if it were not for a mistake at the last.

"I thought he would win his next two runs but he just disappointed a little bit, I thought he was better than that.

"I would say his Royal Bond run was the best of the year and a return to that form would be what I´m hoping for.

"He won well (in last year´s bumper). He felt good on the day and he felt good at Fairyhouse back in December.

"He´s won twice at Cheltenham and you would be hopeful."

Cork All Star kicks off a bumper week for Geraghty, who boasts a sizeable book of likely rides.

Victor Dartnall has snapped up his services for Lodge Lane in the Albert Bartlett Novices´ Hurdle over three miles on Friday.

The seven-year-old trades at around the 6-1 mark in a race that has Carruthers, who Lodge Lane beat earlier in the season, as favourite.

"He should have a shout. The form´s worked out with Carruthers. He looks a nice horse," said Geraghty.

"He seems to stay well and jump well - I think he will have a good chance. He looks a nice horse."

Geraghty also rides Larkwing, who is as low as 14-1 for the Vincent O´Brien County Hurdle following his third in Grade Two company last time.

"He won in Navan and ran a good race behind Catch Me in Gowran. He got raised 10lb for that which wouldn´t be ideal but he would have a chance," the rider told At The Races.

Geraghty will also ride the Tom Taaffe-trained Finger Onthe Pulse during the week with Kazal in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle and Lounaos in the David Nicholson Mares Only Hurdle.

"Finger Onthe Pulse is between the Jewson and the SunAlliance and he would be a good ride," he added.

"I´m looking forward to Kazal, he´s an improving horse, and Lounaos. If she returns to her form of last year would have a good chance.

"She had a long season (last year) and had been on the Flat all autumn, then over hurdles so she was probably a bit over the top at Cheltenham.

"She has won this year but hasn´t really improved the way we thought she might of but on her best form she would have a chance."