Ireland today

flat racing today at Leopardstown, one of the last fixtures of the year, and N.H. racing from Cork, both with some decent races on very soft going. At Leopardstown there are 2 listed races, starting with a 7 furlongs event at 15.15 CET, which should go to Britsh raider Al Qasi (Peter Chapple-Hyam/ Mick Kinane), who has good group form to his credit and stands out in this company; Almass (Kevin Prendergast/ Declan McDonogh), who has won 3 of his last 4 races, looks the best of the locals. Mick Kinane can also take the listed race for 2yo´s over 9 furlongs half an hour later on the Aga Khan´s Mourayan (John Oxx), who missed his engagement in the Racing Post Trophy last time but is still regarded as a major classic hope for 2009. It is interesting that Aidan O´Brien, who made several entries here, relies on Aristocrat (Seamie Heffernan), who was well beaten behind The Bull Hayes (Jessica Harrington/ Declan McDonogh) on his only start, but is no doubt expected to show much more t his time. At Cork, the Grade 3 novice hurdle at 15.25 over 3 miles should chiefly concern Benefit Night (DanielO´Sullivan/ Tommy Ryan) and Oscar Dan Dan (Tom Mullins/ Robby Power); ex-German Spiriton (Pat Cashman/ Davy Russell) won a handicap here last time, but has never raced over this trip. The listed novice chase at 17.00 can go to Tranquil Sea (Edward O´Grady/ Andrew McNamara), a Grade One novice hurdle winner when last seen, who is making his chasing debut. The Cork Grand National over 3 1/2 miles at 15.55 is the most valuable race on the card and this trip will take some getting today. Bothar Na (Willie Mullns/ Ruby Walsh) and Sea Diva (Dessie Hughes/ Paddy Flood) are experienced hands in such races, while Badgerlaw (Jessica Harrington/Andrew Leigh) and Baltiman (Susan Finn/ Tom Doyle) are two up-and-coming young chasers mpving up in grade.