Sword Fish angling for Cork Grand National Sword Fish heads a three-pronged challenge by JP McManus on the Paddy Power Cork Grand National on Sunday. The Christy Roche-trained gelding bids to add to an impressive record in the three-and-a-half mile stamina test. The ground looks sure to be soft but those conditions will hold no fears for Sword Fish, who relished the mud when successful here in 2013. The nine-year-old accounted for Unoccupied by 10 lengths on that occasion, and Eoghan O'Grady's charge is once again in opposition. Sword Fish has been absent since Killarney in May but McManus' racing manager Frank Berry is not too concerned. He said: "Christy is good at having one ready first time, and we know he likes the track and the trip as he was also fourth in the race last year. "He won't mind the ground." The ground is more of a worry for King Leon, who won a three-mile novice race for Aidan O'Brien at Clonmel and also ran well on good ground when runner-up in an amateur riders' handicap at Punchestown just over a fortnight ago. "King Leon won nicely at Clonmel and is in good form but he would not want any more rain," said Berry. Riverside City is the other McManus runner. "The trip is no problem as he won the Ulster National earlier this year," added Berry. "It's his first run back but it's a good pot, and Gordon (Elliott) is happy with him." Rogue Angel provided Mouse Morris with a memorable day when taking the Guinness Kerry National at the Listowel Festival, and the seven-year-old tops the weights in this 50,000 euro event. Others to note in the 12-runner line-up are recent Gowran Park winner Tulsa Jack, and the consistent Bless The Wings.
