Downpatrick Racecourse: Preview and Tips for Friday’s Eight-Race Meeting
Jumps racing fans are in for another treat at Downpatrick Racecourse this Friday, where we have an eight-race card to look forward to. There are two steeplechases, five hurdle races and one bumper across the afternoon.
Read on for a preview of and tips for the Downpatrick card from BetBrothers.
We begin with a maiden hurdle run over two and a quarter miles (13.37). Bluebell Breeze showed some ability in bumpers and makes her hurdle debut here with a five-pound claimer in the saddle. Lygon Lad might have a chance too, having placed at Bellewstown last time out, showing good improvement. But Willie Mullins’ World As One is hard to ignore here after two recent placings in maiden hurdles.
Next, in a handicap hurdle run over the same trip (14.12), Beggars Rock seeks a hat-trick after a pair of good successes, the latter of which was over course and distance. He might not have much standing in his way here and can get to the front again. Calm Flight Ahead was astounding last time when winning by 12 lengths at Sligo, but looks unlikely to repeat the form. Chantilly Wings should have a chance at the placings.
Race three is the first division of a handicap hurdle over the same two and a quarter miles (14.47). John Dixen placed last time and could be helped to improve by the addition of first time blinkers here today. Tropical Twist was below form last time out and might be capable of better this time, and has the benefit of Paddy Cleary’s seven pounds.
In the second division (15.22), Mad Maxios will attract some attention having looked likely last time out in 2025 before falling at the final flight. Down two pounds from that today having come off a lengthy break and a change in stable, he should be taken seriously. Course and distance winner Georginas Jet should be considered also have been fairly consistent this term and finds herself on a doable mark.
A rated novice hurdle follows, run over two and three quarter miles (15.57). Brother Walfrid was good last time on a similar enough mark and could go well again, while the same can be said about Harpy Eagle, who is lower down in the handicap. Holy Joe might be the one to go for here, though, after a pair of successes this year and a nice new low mark.
Race six is a two and a quarter mile beginners’ chase (16.28). Mark Fahey’s Quirt Evans was the top-rated hurdler and might have been attractive here if it wasn’t for the fact that he has been away from the racecourse for nearly three years now. Kalsman might be an option instead, while Pillartou looks worth thinking about with a three-pound claimer in the saddle.
A three-mile handicap chase is our penultimate race (17.02). Anodandawink seeks a hat-trick in the JP McManus colours, which looks challenging but not impossible. Mickey Cohen makes some appeal on handicap debut, stepping up in trip having won at this track over fences before. Western Model should enter calculations as well, given seven pounds by his rider having done well over fences so far.
Finally, we conclude with a bumper (17.37). There are a few newcomers here who should be kept an eye on in the markets, while Orderly Conduct, Myluckymaker and Hadahi bring some good existing form. The former, trained by Gavin Cromwell, probably has the best chance here and has had a good amount of time to freshen up since his last appearance.
Downpatrick selections – Friday:
13.37 – World As One
14.12 – Beggars Rock
14.47 – John Dixen
15.22 – Georginas Jet
15.57 – Holy Joe
16.28 – Pillartou
17.02 – Western Model
17.37 – Orderly Conduct.
