John O’Riordan
2.35 LAZY SUNDAY MAIDEN HURDLE 2M 2F
Listen Dear won her bumper over this course and distance by 37l before finishing second to a smart type in a winners’ race at Cork. Willie Mullins charge is proven over this unique track and can put that experience to good use here. It will be something of a surprise were she not to open her account over hurdles at the first attempt. He’s Our Robin disappointed on his latest run at Killarney but his previous form over flights would make him a danger to all. While he has the benefit of hurdling experience, it should not be enough to prevent the selection from going in.
SELECTION: LISTEN DEAR
Next best: He’s Our Robin
3.05 TOALS BOOKMAKERS TOP OF THE LEAGUE FOR FOOTBALL BETTING RATED HURDLE 2M 2F
Coldstonesober has a little to find with a few of these at the weights but comes into the race in cracking form and it may be enough to see him home in front. A previous course and distance winner, always an advantage around here, the Jimmy Finn runner was a dual winner over hurdles earlier in the season and ran a very respectable race at Galway over flights. Despite a poor effort later in the week over fences, he is given the benefit of the doubt. Willie Mullins fields two runners in opposition, with Childrens List looking his main chance.
SELECTION: Coldstonesober
Next best: Childrens List
3.35 DOWNPATRICKRACECOURSE.CO.UK HANDICAP HURDLE 2M 2F
Gordon Elliott is always a trainer to respect at this track and perhaps Ullswater can improve enough to make a winning debut for the yard. Formerly trained in Britain by Emma Lavelle, he gained his sole victory to date at Towcester, a track with a tough uphill finish similar to Downpatrick. The market is likely to provide significant clues as to the readiness of a number of the others. Authorative is clearly going the right way and if handling the track there is no reason why he cannot build on his recent second placing at Uttoxeter.
SELECTION: ULLSWATER
Next best: Authorative
4.05 EVERYONE LOVES DOWNPATRICK MARES HANDICAP HURDLE 2M 7F
Thanks For Tea is a mare in form and she has to be followed until beaten. Edmont Kent’s six-year-old should be chasing a four-timer here but for being disqualified after causing interference at Limerick last time. Despite an 8Ib rise for that effort, she still looks to be on the upgrade and can concede weight all around here. Tiger Bay Lady has been chasing recently and ran out on her most recent start at Galway. If a return to the smaller obstacles can rekindle her interest then she has the talent to put it up to the selection.
SELECTION: THANKS FOR TEA
Next best: Tiger Bay Lady
4.35 TOALS BOOKMAKERS DIAL A BET 028 90321721 MAIDEN HURDLE 2M 7F
Ultimate Horseman has had plenty of chances to open his account over hurdles and may finally make the breakthrough here. Gordon Elliott’s inmate has finished second over the track twice recently and can put that experience to use. Jack Kennedy claims a very valuable 7Ib, which could well make the difference between victory and defeat. Westerner Lady represents a big danger to the selection and Willie Mullin’s runner looks certain to push the selection all the way. However, a lack of jumping experience on such a tight track may just be her downfall and so she is passed over in favour of the Elliott horse.
SELECTION: ULTIMATE HORSEMAN
Next best: Westerner Lady
5.05 SOUND OF SILVER HANDICAP HURDLE 2M 7F
Abarta has been in very good form of late and remains nicely treated over hurdles. Val O’Brien’s nine-year-old won over the course and distance last month and should prove good enough to double up on this occasion. Mr Mulliner arrived fast and late to win at Sligo last time out and looks the chief danger. However, as with most of the day’s selections, previous course experience is a big plus around the northern venue and he may just find everything happening too quickly around the tight turns.
SELECTION: ABARTA
Next best: Mr Mulliner
5.35 YOUR NAME HERE FLAT RACE 2M 2F
Patrick Mullins takes the mount on Bowenscourt in the finale and the hint should be taken. In what on the face of it appears to be a relatively weak bumper, the Mag Mullins runner has every chance of opening her account. Already placed in a similar contest at Clonmel earlier in the year, the Westerner mare possesses the required stamina for the gruelling uphill climb. A host of local trainers take her on, with the Stuart Crawford inmate Blayney Queen looking the one to fear. Although yet to trouble the judge, the six-year-old has twice started very short in the betting, suggesting that on homework at least she has some degree of ability.
SELECTION: BOWENSCOURT
Next best: Blayney Queen