Downpatrick Racecourse: Preview and Tips for Friday’s Seven-Race Meeting
Friday evening’s race meeting at Downpatrick looks to be a competitive and compelling affair, with seven races for attendees to get stuck into. We have two steeplechases, four races over hurdles and one bumper to look forward to.
Read on for a preview of and tips for the Downpatrick card by BetVictor Online Casino.
We begin with a two and three-quarter mile maiden hurdle (5.00). There are two newcomers here; Union Boy and Evangelic, the latter being an intriguing runner due to being bred for speed on the Flat. This choice of race looks somewhat bizarre.
Lady Cosmo is a point-to-point winner but has failed to shine so far under Rules, while Gordon Elliott’s pair of Spectaculeur and Loch Cuan should be factors. Back into Maiden company, though, is Willie Mullins’ Roc Dino, whose form appears to be the strongest.
Next, over the same trip is a handicap hurdle (5.35). Noel Kelly’s Justicialism was a very close second at Down Royal last time in a 20-runner race, so he looks to have a favourite’s chance here on the same mark. Kalsman has beaten him in the past, but is perhaps a little high in the weights to do so again. Joya Del Mar also could have an each-way chance now, on a reduced mark.
Another maiden hurdle follows, this time over two miles and three furlongs (6.05). Bootscootinboogie is a newcomer, while Echinacea is tried under this code for the first time, having been useful at a low level on the Flat. The step up in trip looks to be a big positive for Endless Talking, who has shown some ability in his two starts over hurdles so far.
Race four is a mares’ handicap hurdle run over two and a quarter miles (6.35). Course and distance winner Camlin Park is the topweight, but has been pulled-up on each of her latest two starts. Lagoon Nebula is good on her day, but has been known to refuse to race, so isn’t reliable. The extra distance might help A Snow White Park, who was a close fourth last time at Tramore.
A two and a half mile handicap chase follows (7.05). Gavin Cromwell’sStruck Oil ran well last time out for second of 16, and should give another good account here. Katzoff could progress from a good showing last time, while Tsavo Park has a strong chance too and is given five pounds by Paddy Hanlon.
The penultimate race is a three-mile handicap chase (7.35). Helen Markham’s Mastermind was a winner last time out at Down Royal, ahead of Hardy Diamond, who reopposes here after a run for third four days ago.
The turnaround may be too quick for him, but Mini Getaway looks to have a good chance. She finished fourth of 11 on testing ground at Naas in March and could go better on this firmer surface.
Last of all is a mares’ bumper (8.05). We have a trio of debutants here; Largy Lily, Culldo and Magical Act, but they will have their work cut out for them to beat Kisuton Enki and Jo’s Secret, both of whom revert back to a bumper having placed over hurdles. The former is the better of the two and could win for Gordon Elliott.
Downpatrick selections – Friday:
5.00 – Roc Dino
5.35 – Justicialism, Joya Del Mar e/w
6.05 – Endless Talking
6.35 – A Snow White Park
7.05 – Tsavo Park
7.35 – Mini Getaway
8.05 – Kisuton Enki.
