Downpatrick Racecourse: Preview and Tips for Friday’s Seven-Race Card
Jumps racing returns to Downpatrick Racecourse on Friday afternoon, with a seven-race card which consists of four hurdle races, two steeplechases and a bumper.Â
Read on for a full preview of and tips from the Downpatrick card, courtesy of Boyle Sports, who provide all the latest horse racing odds.
We begin with a maiden hurdle run over two and quarter miles (2.11). Colin Bowe’s Trixaboutmaisie makes her racecourse debut, while Gerard O’Leary’s Sea Eagle and Gordon Elliott’s First Ascent are both switching codes from the Flat for the first time today.
Trixaboutmaisie’s stablemate October Hill makes a touch more appeal having placed on each of her starts so far over hurdles, but Scary Askari should be the one to beat after a good display in a bumper behind the talented Minella Supreme last time out.
Over the same trip, race two is a handicap hurdle (2.46). Cian Collins’ Must Meet Cecil is very interesting, equipped with a visor for the first time after finishing a good third of 11 last time out at Kilbeggan. Gavin Cromwell’s Arcland may just be able to get the better of him, though, given seven pounds by his rider.
Another handicap hurdle follows over the two and a quarter miles (3.21). Adrian Murray’s Silent Dawn looks to be still on a workable mark, just two pounds above last time when he was beaten a head over course and distance.
Dermot McLoughlin’s Centaq could get involved too, having finished fourth of 10 not beaten too far over course and distance when last out in August, but might prefer better ground today.
A rated novice hurdle over two and three quarter miles is next (3.56). This is hot race, with four of the six runners having won their last starts.
The most likely to repeat this form looks to be the talented Penny Perfect, who won a maiden in impressive fashion over course and distance last time out. Bred to be useful and from a top stable in Gordon Elliott’s, she could be the one to beat yet again.
Race five is a beginners’ chase over two and a quarter miles (4.26). Michael Cleary’s Figurehead should be able to improve on a decent start over fences at Tramore in May, but the likes of Noel Meade’s Mickey Cohen and Ian Donoghue’s Sea Of Doubt might be better off at the weights – both have solid form over hurdles and are, therefore, promising over these larger obstacles. Ar Nos Na Gaoithe might turn out to be the full package, though, proven on the softer ground as well as being useful over hurdles previously.
The penultimate race is a three-mile handicap chase (5.01). Gordon Elliott’s Hardy Diamond has come down four pounds since a disappointing defeat last time at Perth, which puts him closer to his last winning mark, therefore he could win this under Jack Kennedy.
John McConnell’s Jumping Susie is down to a new low mark over fences, which is tempting in itself, but the new addition of cheekpieces may get her even further forward.
Racing concludes with a bumper (5.35). Tropical Twist, Minella Jury and Desertmore Charm are the newcomers here, with Minella Jury looking to be the best of them on pedigree. John McConnell’s Bells Grove is the one to beat on form, though, having placed on debut at Sligo and is given seven pounds by claiming rider FInn Buckley.
Downpatrick selections – Friday:
2.11 – Scary Askari
2.46 – Arcland
3.21 – Silent Dawn
3.56 – Penny Perfect
4.26 – Ar Nos Na Gaoithe
5.01 – Jumping Susie
5.35 – Minella Jury.
