Downpatrick Racecourse: Preview and Tips for Sunday’s Seven-Race Meeting
There’s more National Hunt racing action on at Downpatrick Racecourse this Sunday with seven races on the card, featuring the Ulster National alongside two further steeplechases and four races over hurdles.
Read on for a preview of and tips for the Downpatrick card, brought to you by Betano, who provide all the latest horse racing odds.
We begin with a maiden hurdle run over two miles and six furlongs (2.07). Robertjames and Love Safari are the only newcomers in the field of 10, while Gordon Elliott’s He Can’t Dance brings the best current form, having placed on each of his five starts so far, and wears blinkers for the first time here. Robertjames, though, could be a danger on debut for Willie Mullins.
Next is a handicap hurdle over the same trip (2.42). Gavin Cromwell’s Let’s Go Mans won last time out and is in first-time cheekpieces today, so still appeals, while stablemate Deanery Charlie looks to be improving also and could run a good race off his current mark. Coppola, though, looks to be the one to beat after a close second at Down Royal last time.
Race three is a handicap hurdle over two and a quarter miles (3.17). Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy should have another good chance here with Dairy Force, who will be happier on this sounder surface after a fair run at Fairyhouse last time for fourth of 12 on testing going. Noel Kelly’s Gamigin looks to be on a more competitive mark now too and could go well, similarly to Brave Soldier, who might be capable of surprising with a five-pound claimer taking the ride.
The fourth race is a two and three quarter mile handicap hurdle (3.52). Another Gordon Elliott horse, Themanintheboots, is down two pounds from his last starting mark and has five pounds in hand from his rider too. John Storey could also be in line for a big run, stepping slightly down in trip this time with a five-pound claimer taking the ride.
Our feature is next; the three and a half mile Ulster National (4.27). Dorans Law could go well here, but returns today after a lengthy break and might prefer better going too. Ontheropes could spring back to better form today, having run over hurdles lately and now reverts back to chasing on a much reduced mark. Fishery Lane ought to be a player too.
Second to last is a beginners’ chase over two and a half miles (5.00). Dee’s Lady comes here in good form after winning nicely at Leopardstown last time, and has first-time cheekpieces on to keep her sharp. Gordon Elliott’s Find A Fortune, though, is given a helping hand by the employ of five-pound claimer Josh Williamson and can likely win this given the weight.
Last of all is a maiden hunters chase (5.30). West Of Idaho seeks a hat-trick here and could achieve it with a seven-pound claimer on board, while Cebu City also looks to be a danger after a change of scene and three recent placings.
Downpatrick selections – Sunday:
2.07 – Robertjames
2.42 – Coppola
3.17 – Gamigin e/w
3.52 – Themanintheboots
4.27 – Ontheropes
5.00 – Find A Fortune
5.30 – West Of Idaho.
