September 21st
Downpatrick is the venue for an exciting, seven race National Hunt card on Wednesday. Beautifully situated in the Mourne Mountains, this track boasts some unique features; in particular the punishing uphill finish is an incline that has caught out many a “good thing” over the years. It’s definitely not a track to count your winnings until your fancy has safely passed the post!
Racing opens with a two-and-a-quarter mile maiden hurdle where, in an open enough contest, the Adrian Maguire-trained Teak can be given a chance. Another to consider is the ex-Weld-trained Crazy Days, a useful fifth when last seen out at Downroyal.
A two-and-a-quarter mile handicap hurdle is next up. Arthur Moore’s course-and-distance winner Claragh Native can reasonably be expected to defy a ten pound penalty under Andrew Mac. Pat Martin’s View From The Top is another for the shortlist here, having shown a resilient attitude when occupying the runner up slot at Ballinrobe on his latest start.
On to the two-mile-seven maiden hurdle, a race in which the Mullins entry Rockyaboya commands maximum respect, despite having been chinned at a short price on his latest start. Earth Tremor also brings a nice piece of form to the table, having caught the eye when third over this trip on his last start in a race won by Hollyville.
The first of our beginners’ chases is down for decision at 5.05 and it could be a case of “Up Monaghan”: trainer Oliver Brady saddles the consistent Imperial Shabra who, on his best form, is entitled to go close. Gordon Elliot saddles Definite All Star here, a horse hoping to add a win at this track to those already recorded at Perth and Musselburgh.
The second of the beginners’ chases affords a nice opportunity for Hollyville to complete back-to-back course successes. Meanwhile, the respected firm of Tony Martin and Barry Geraghty teams up with recent Kilbeggan winner Asymmetrical, another who holds strong claims in this contest.
The handicap chase looks at the mercy of recent Killarney winner One Fine Morning, who should be up to defying a nine pound penalty. Watch also for a prominent showing from the Dreaper entry Shernaz; he’s no Arkle, but a winner’s a winner!
It’s “woolly jumper” time in the last, as the bumper brings down the curtain on what promises to be a fascinating day’s sport. Bridgets Pet was a beaten favourite on his latest start at Kilbeggan, but this Kieran Purcell-trained gelding might be worth persevering with in this contest. I also expect big improvement from the Nolan-trained Dabari, who finished fifth in what looked a warm contest at Killarney on his one and only start to date.
Call Star Sports now for all the latest news from Downpatrick or, if you are feeling a little adventurous today, have a dabble in the spread markets available here at Star Spreads. Winning distances, favourite’s indices, buying and selling and locking in a profit… Exciting stuff indeed! Why not back your opinion at Downpatrick with us today? It could just be the start of a wonderful friendship.