Downpatrick Racecourse: Preview and Tips for Friday’s Seven-Race Meeting
At Downpatrick Racecourse on Friday evening (22 5 26) there is another ‘jumps’ meeting with three hurdle races, a beginners’ chase, two hunter chases and a point-to-point bumper on the card.
Read on for a preview of and tips for the Downpatrick card, brought to you by BetBrothers.
First of all is a maiden hurdle run over two miles and three furlongs (17.20). There are two newcomers; Yolanda’s Star and Undertheinfluence, both of whom look best watched on this occasion.
Mr Master Mac has shown some ability so far and could factor, but he carries more weight than Cailin Deas, who has offered plenty of encouragement and could be well suited by the step up in trip here.
Race two is a handicap hurdle run over the same trip (17.52). Arcland won his latest start over hurdles but is much higher in the weights now, while Seskin Flash was productive last season and could progress from a lack-lustre return to action last month. I’ll Be Handy looks like he might be just that, having done well in the juvenile division last year, and he has a useful five pounds given by his rider.
The third race is a two and three quarter mile handicap hurdle (18.29). Gangster Granny was a course and distance winner last time out and has risen accordingly in the weights now. Joya Del Mar could be down to a winnable mark, while Gortmore Lady makes some appeal for the same reason. Phildante is good over this sort of trip and could be in line to at least pick up a place.
Our beginners’ chase follows, run over two and a half miles (19.00). Giant Haystacks was the highest rated over hurdles and was best over this distance, so he looks promising having had a break. Coolboy Christy comes here in good form after a decent couple of runs, and he could possibly get involved too.
Down News photos from the race meeting on 8 5 26.
Race five is a three-mile maiden hunters’ chase (19.30). The runners can have won a point-to-point, but not a race under Rules. West Of Idaho has won two point-to-points on the way to today and seeks a hat-trick, looking difficult to oppose in his current strain of form. Cebu City looks to be the one to challenge him in first-time cheekpieces after a good five-length win last time.
Second to last is another hunters’ chase, this time over three miles and five furlongs (20.00). Cause For Commitment could be well enough qualified to stay this long trip, given that he has won at Punchestown on testing ground. Dorking Cock could also be in the mix, along with Fortune Lad, who is a consistent sort and, only six years old, is still entitled to improve.
Finally, we conclude with a point-to-point bumper (20.30). Dinner Dance, Majestic Horizon and Brootally have all in point-to-point company, so should be good here. Theemeraldempress was a very close second on debut and may also factor. Majestic Horizon may have the most suitable pedigree to win over this trip, though.
Downpatrick selections – Friday:
17.20 – Cailin Deas
17.52 – Seskin Flash
18.29 – Phildante e/w
19.00 – Coolboy Christy
19.30 – Cebu City
20.00 – Fortune Lad
20.30 – Majestic Horizon.
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