Downpatrick Racecourse: Preview and Tips for Friday’s Seven-Race Meeting
The winter jumps season is really getting underway now and there are seven high quality races to look forward to at Downpatrick Racecourse this Friday. We have two races over fences and five over hurdles across the afternoon.
Read on for a preview of and tips for the Downpatrick card, brought to you by BetVictor Online Casino.
We kick off with a two and a quarter mile maiden hurdle (14.13). Tony Martin’s Marine Tycoon is the only newcomer here but his pedigree doesn’t promise the world, so it may be best to opt for the likes of bumper graduate Orderly Conduct, who has placed twice in that sphere for Gavin Cromwell. Gordon Elliott’s Euro Agent, though, will be well fancied after some good performances in maiden hurdles already.
The second race is a two and a quarter mile novice handicap hurdle (14.48). Facile Ocean has shown plenty of ability so far and looks interesting on handicap debut with five-pound claiming rider Eoghan Finegan onboard. Papagei could be competitive after finishing fourth of 16 last time and might be more attractively weighted here.
Race three is another handicap hurdle run over the same trip (15.23). Centaq was only narrowly beaten last time out at this track and should go well again, while Invincible Oscar – who beat him that day – opposes here with a claiming rider on board, thereby essentially wriggling out of his resulting penalty. He could be worth another go.
Our next race is a maiden hurdle run over two miles and six furlongs (15.58). This is only a small field of six runners, of which one is a debutant; Grey Ace, by the stallion Kingston Hill, whose progeny have been bringing in some good results in recent seasons. He could turn out to be smart. Little Ginger ran a very good race here last time out and steps up in trip now, and is the one they all have to beat.
Over that same trip, race six is a handicap hurdle (16.30). Hob’s Angel was fourth of 16 at Sligo last time and is a pound lower in the handicap today, so makes plenty of appeal here, particularly with a three-pound claiming rider in the saddle. Sekakarma might have an each-way chance too, after some good recent form, but this mark looks hard to win off.
Second to last is a two and a half mile beginners’ chase (17.05). Down Around steps significantly down in trip for this race, so this might be too sharp for him. Ring Of Kerry hasn’t been seen since Autumn last year but could be handy here if fit enough, based on his performances last season.
Last of all is a three-mile handicap chase (17.37). Bayonetta looks competitive after a midfield finish last time and has a nice mark now, while Mini Getaway was a winner last time out and is against better rivals this time, which will be interesting to see. Mobile Mamma is in a first-time visor, which might make the difference for her.
Downpatrick selections – Friday:
14.13 – Euro Agent
14.48 – Papagei
15.23 – Invincible Oscar
15.58 – Little Ginger, Grey Ace e/w
16.30 – Hob’s Angel
17.05 – Ring Of Kerry
17.37 – Bayonetta.
