John O’Riordan

2.20 VISIT SAINT PATRICK’S COUNTRY MAIDE N HURDLE 2M2F

Lofgren will need to show his very best form to claim the opening race on the card but if he can do so it will nearly be good enough. Enda Bolger’s five-year-old has shown promise on a couple of occasions and races on slightly better ground than on recent outings. The form of his 4th place debut effort at Cork would be sufficient to win here, while he arguably ran even better when second at Thurles.

Kashmiri Sunset has been disappointing to date and has a bit to prove now. A decent flat horse when trained in Britain, it is hoped that the faster ground he encounters here may see him in a different light.

Selection: LOFGREN

Next best: Kashmiri Sunset

2.55 BET AT TOALS.CO.UK RATED HURDLE 2M2F

Modem appears the class act in this conditions hurdle and will not want for fitness having been in action at Dundalk recently. Jessica Harrington’s inmate looked a real stayer last summer and was an impressive winner of the GPT handicap at Galway. He also won his races over hurdles and has a horse that likes to race up with the pace he can boss it from the front in this small field.

Gordon Elliott is a trainer that always does so well at this venue and De Plotting Shed is certain to give a good account. A lightly raced type who may have more to offer from this mark, he can go close under the excellent Jack Kennedy who is such great value for his claim.

Selection: MODEM

Next best: De Plotting Shed

3.30 TOALS BEST VALUE FOR FOOTBALL HANDICAP HURDLE 2M2F

A weak affair in which it could pay to take a chance on Authorised Cadeaux who makes his first start in handicap company. A former winner in Italy, Gordon Elliott’s horse showed little in three heavy ground maidens but could leave that form behind now that he has a mark.

This is a very nice race in which to test his current rating and if the market speaks in his favour the hint should be taken.

Shabra’s Bertolini is the only course and distance winner in the field and that factor should not be underestimated. Anthony McCann’s horse has dropped in the weights and with Mark Enright on board he is capable of showing improvement now.

Selection: AUTHORISED CADEAUX

Next best: Shabra’s Bertolini

4.05 TOALS BOOKMAKERS ULSTER NATIONAL EUROPEAN BREEDERS FUND HANDICAP STEEPLECHASE 3M4F

Glenquest isn’t getting any younger but was a decent stayer in his time and can strike a blow for the older generation here. Formerly placed in a Welsh National, he meets nothing of that calibre here and despite his advancing years he has run with credit on recent starts. Although he may prefer the ground a bit more testing, the marathon trip is certainly in his favour and he can go very close.

Tulsa Jack looked a young horse going places before his disappointing effort at Navan latest. He may just have found the race coming too soon following wins at Gowran Park and Cork. Given a break since and refreshed by Noel Meade it would be dangerous to leave him out of calculations.

Selection: GLENQUEST

Next best: Tulsa Jack

4.35 DOWNPATRICK RACECOURSE GOING THE EXTRA MILE HANDICAP STEEPLECHASE 2M5F

Town Pond has probably been targeted at this prize and looks capable of adding to his course and distance record. His last run at Fairyhouse was on a par with his run at Navan twelve months ago prior to winning here and that tried and tested route can pay dividends. Ger Fox was aboard the gelding on that occasion and now takes the ride for the first time since.

Suzy’s Magic has been consistent in recent weeks and provided her recent trip to Kelso hasn’t left any lasting effects she can make her presence felt again here. While softer ground may be more suitable, the unique track and stiff uphill finish are certainly in her favour.

Selection: TOWN POND

Next best: Suzy’s Magic

5.05 AT THE RACES MAIDEN HUNTERS STEEPLECHASE 2M5F

Strangford Lough can take this contest for the Enda Bolger/J.P. McManus team. The five-year-old ran well in a maiden hurdle at Down Royal prior to racing between the flags and can out that racecourse experience to good use here. The Bolger academy is second to none when it comes to producing young horses and he is unlikely to be making the journey North just for the day out.

Maple Mons may not have as much scope for improvement as the Bolger horse but he has won his last two starts and represents a strong trainer/jockey combination here. He has less to prove than most of the others and looks the one to follow the Selection home.

Selection: STRANGFORD LOUGH

Next best: Maple Mons

5.35 HORSE FIRST(PRO/AM)FLAT RACE 2M1F

Master Of Verse can end the week on a high note for the all conquering Willie Mullins yard by taking the finale.

Despite only having raced three times in the last three years, the Milan gelding has shown ability and connections must feel he is one to continue with. Lack of a recent run is no drawback coming from these quarters and he can belatedly get off the mark.

Moonman looks the principal danger representing the Gordon Elliott stable. The six-year-old won his point to point on good ground and the drying terrain will be a big boost to his prospects of upsetting the likely favourite.

Selection: MASTER OF VERSE

Next best: Moonman