Downpatrick Racecourse: preview and tips for Friday’s seven-race card for 23 5 25
Downpatrick racecourse presents its latest seven-race jumps card on Friday evening.
Read on for a preview of the Downpatrick card, courtesy of Boylesports, who offer the latestxa0horse racing odds.
First on the card is a two-miles and three furlong maiden hurdle (5.00). The Cisterian is the only newcomer, trained by Ciaran Murphy.
He’s from a useful family of winners, but is unlikely to go better than his more experienced rivals. Parkgarve finished well for third over two and a quarter miles last time and will benefit from the extra distance today, so could oblige today.xa0
Next is a handicap hurdle over two miles and three furlongs (5.35). The lightly-raced Roaring Potter has been off since June 2022, but returns today and is probably best watched for now.
Rockview Consort looks to have a good chance having run well last time, but nonetheless dropped a pound in the handicap and is given seven pounds by his rider, so could prove to be well treated on this occasion.xa0
Race three is a two-and-three-quarter mile handicap hurdle (6.05), and looks likely to go the way of the consistent Sights Unseen, who was no match for the winner of her last start, but finished well for second place and can go one better this evening under a seven-pound claimer. Robindevidastar is also known to go well fresh and may pick up a place.xa0
The fourth race is a two-and-a-half mile beginners’ chase (6.37). Only one of the eight runners have raced over fences previously; Tankardstown Diva, who can improve on last time with a mares’ weight allowance.
Her main rival may be the handy dual-purpose Darkened, who makes his stable debut for the in-form John McConnell.
The pointers are up next in a three-mile Maiden Hunters’ Chase (7.07).
King In The Park is equipped with cheekpieces, having unseated his rider last time, but had been going from strength to strength previously in the season and could recapture that good form. Squire Ohara is already proven at this level and sets the standard here – he should be the one to beat.xa0
Another Hunters’ Chase follows over three miles and five furlongs (7.37). Asphalt Cowboy has the conditions he likes today, but has yet to be tried over this longer trip.
Thomas Mullins’ Ontheropes has proven stamina and could have a solid chance, especially given seven pounds by his rider.xa0
The 8.07 Point-to-Point Flat Race finishes off the evening’s racing, bringing a field of ten young and inexperienced horses to the fore. Noble Name looks to be the one to beat here, having won her last point-to-point start and placing third of 11 in a similar race at Tipperary last time out.
Better Times also looks likely to improve on a good midfield finish last time and can pick up a place here.xa0
Downpatrick selections – Friday
5.00 – Parkgarve
5.35 – Rockview Consort
6.05 – Sights Unseen
6.37 – Darkened
7.07 – Squire Ohara
7.37 – Asphalt Cowboy
8.07 – Noble Name.
