6.15 Cork – Launch Time looks the one to beat

This 0-60 mile at Cork is not a race to overcomplicate. The sensible place to start is the HRB TimeWise Master ratings, and they point clearly towards Launch Time, who sits rank 1 on 264.1, well clear of the field. In these races, the top two on the ratings are usually where the answer lies, and he has a definite edge.

The recent Leopardstown win reads very well. He travelled like a horse ahead of his mark and, as Timeform noted, scored with a bit in hand. A 7 lb rise asks a question, but this is not a deep handicap full of unexposed improvers. More importantly, the cheekpieces appeared to help last time and remain on, which strengthens the case rather than weakens it.

Comment Shaper also backs him up. This looks a race with a single front runner and a generally strong shape, but not necessarily a total collapse up front. That should suit a horse like Launch Time, who is usually ridden close to the pace or tracking the leaders rather than needing everything to fall apart. In races of this nature, that tactical position often proves ideal.

The main threat looks to be Jasmine Affanalis, the rank 2 horse on HRB. She has a strong finishing profile and the return to turf is a plus. Land Of The Giants also has place claims after finishing behind Launch Time last time.

Still, the standout is Launch Time. He has the ratings, the recent form, the right run style and a proven equipment angle.

Selection: Launch Time
Confidence: Strong