Preview of the Downpatrick card on Sunday.

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Here are the previews for the Downpatrick races on 10th August 2025, in order of race times.


2.17 ITBA Mares Maiden Hurdle (€10,000)

Details: This race is a Mares Maiden Hurdle with a total value of €10,000, run over 2m 1f 165y on Good ground. Mares aged 4yo carry 11st 4lbs, while 5yo+ mares carry 11st 7lbs. The prize for first place is €5,900.

Pace & Track Angles: Expect an honest to strong early gallop due to prominent runners like Hillhead Runner and potentially Atomic Queen. Downpatrick is a tight, right-handed, and undulating track, which generally rewards handy racers who can travel smoothly into the downhill run to the last. Deep closers typically find it hard to make up ground here.

Runners:

  • Atomic Queen (11-7): A 6-y-o bay mare by Flemensfirth. Her trainer, Peter Fahey, has a 14-day run-to-form percentage (rtf%) of 50%. She has a best RPR of 118 from her bumper form. She won a bumper at Limerick and was a close second at Punchestown. Her hurdling debut was underwhelming, but she is expected to improve significantly from that experience. She is well-suited by the trip, ground, and right-handed track, with tactical speed as an asset.
  • Hillhead Runner (11-7t): A 5-y-o bay mare by Mahler. Trainer Gavin Cromwell has a 14-day rtf% of 58%. Her best RPR is 113 over hurdles, achieved when she fell at the last at Wexford while still in contention. She won a bumper last season and has been consistent on good ground. She is likely to be ridden prominently, which is advantageous at Downpatrick, but she can be a bit keen and will benefit from a strong pace to help her settle.
  • Galileo Springs (10-13t): A 5-y-o chestnut mare by Galileo Gold. Trainer Martin Brassil has a 14-day rtf% of 100%. Her best RPR is 120 in bumpers and 102 over hurdles. She has been consistently hitting the frame in bumpers, often finishing strongly. While she handles good ground and has hurdling experience, she hasn’t shown the same turn of foot as the top contenders and her hold-up style may be disadvantaged by this track’s layout unless the pace is very strong.
  • Whispering Willow (10-10): A 4-y-o bay filly by Marcel. Trainer Paul John Gilligan has a 14-day rtf% of 31%. She has only had one start, a midfield effort in a strong Galway bumper where her best RPR was 111. Her pedigree suggests stamina, which should help with the uphill finish, and she is expected to improve sharply from her debut.
  • Boldplay (10-13): A 5-y-o chestnut mare by Malinas. Trainer Paul Traynor has a 14-day rtf% of 0%. Her best RPR is 94 from two bumper runs. Her form has been limited, and she weakened in both her recorded starts. She is hard to see making a major impact without significant improvement.
  • Chasing Crowns (10-13): A 5-y-o bay mare by Imperial Monarch. Trainer E Sheehy has a 14-day rtf% of 0%. She has a very limited record with only one hurdle start where she was tailed off, and no RPR or TS is recorded for her. She needs a significant leap forward to be competitive.
  • George’s Angel (10-10): A 4-y-o bay filly by Order Of St George. Trainer R K Watson has a 14-day rtf% of 0%. Her best RPR is 52 from two starts, both of which she was tailed off in. Her early form is well below the required standard for this race.
  • Lightning Legs (10-10): A 4-y-o bay filly by Gustav Klimt. Trainer Gordon Elliott has a 14-day rtf% of 39%. She is primarily a Flat handicapper with no clear hurdling form. Her trainer notes that her future is likely on the Flat handicap circuit.
  • Penny Perfect (10-10): A 4-y-o chestnut filly by Capri. Trainer Gordon Elliott has a 14-day rtf% of 39%. She is completely unexposed with no form clues yet.

Estimated Tissue Odds:

  • Atomic Queen – 9/4
  • Hillhead Runner – 3/1
  • Galileo Springs – 5/1
  • Whispering Willow – 12/1
  • Boldplay – 16/1
  • Chasing Crowns – 25/1
  • George’s Angel – 50/1
  • Lightning Legs – 50/1
  • Penny Perfect – 66/1

Top Contender + Main Dangers:

  • Top Contender: Atomic Queen – She possesses the strongest bumper form in the field, is ideally suited by the track and trip, and is expected to improve significantly from her hurdles debut.
  • Main Dangers:
    • Hillhead Runner – Her solid recent form (prior to her fall) and prominent running style are a major plus for Downpatrick.
    • Galileo Springs – A consistent mare in bumpers, her strong-finishing style could see her pick up places if the pace is strong enough to counter the track bias against her hold-up running.
  • Interesting Outsider: Whispering Willow – Still unexposed, her debut performance suggests she has scope for progression.

2.47 Randox Rated Hurdle (€16,000)

Details: This is a Randox Rated Hurdle worth €16,000, contested over 2m 1f 165y on Good ground. It is open to 4yo+ horses rated 130 or less at entry.

Pace & Track Angles: This race is likely to be tactical rather than a fast-run affair. Both Dollar Value and Redwood Queen have shown ability to lead or press the pace. Downpatrick’s tight, right-handed, undulating circuit places a high premium on track position, especially turning for home where a handy spot can be worth several lengths. The race could be steadily run early before quickening sharply from three out.

Runners:

  • Redwood Queen (11-12): An 8-y-o bay mare by Mahler. Trainer Cian Collins has a 14-day rtf% of 40%. Her best RPR is 132, achieved when she unseated her rider while clear at Wexford. She has six hurdle wins and a strong record on good ground, with 4 wins from 11 starts. She is versatile tactically but performs best when tracking leaders, and her nimble style is well-suited to Downpatrick’s sharp layout.
  • Arch Empire (11-8): A 5-y-o bay gelding by Doctor Dino. Trainer Gordon Elliott has a 14-day rtf% of 39%. His best RPR is 133 over hurdles, notably a second in a Killarney novice hurdle. He is still relatively unexposed and has shown consistent progress, including a maiden hurdle win at Ballinrobe. He will be fitter after recent Flat runs, and the booking of top jockey Jack Kennedy is a positive sign.
  • Dollar Value (11-0): A 10-y-o grey gelding by Exchange Rate. Trainer T G McCourt has a 14-day rtf% of 0%. His best RPR is 144 in claiming hurdles, with a remarkable record of 4 wins and 2 seconds from 11 starts at Downpatrick. He won two claimers this summer and ran well in a conditions hurdle here in August 2024. His front-running style is perfectly suited to this track, making him dangerous if allowed an uncontested lead.
  • Itsalladream (10-13): A 6-y-o chestnut gelding by My Dream Boat. Trainer Paul John Gilligan has a 14-day rtf% of 31%. His best hurdle RPR is 133 from a maiden win. His more recent strong form has been over fences, including a Roscommon novice chase win. He is likely to be held up, and while he has tactical pace, he may prefer a stiffer test than this sharp 2m 1f. He wears a hood because he gets very wound up.
  • Catena Zapata (10-13tp): A 7-y-o bay gelding by Vadamos. Trainer Ian Patrick Donoghue has a 14-day rtf% of 0%. His best RPR is 138 in a maiden hurdle. He recently won on turf after being dropped in class and blinkered for the first time, then was claimed by his current trainer. He is capable on his day but can be slowly away and generally prefers softer ground, which might make him outpaced on good ground at this track.

Estimated Tissue Odds:

  • Redwood Queen – 5/2
  • Arch Empire – 3/1
  • Dollar Value – 3/1 (Note: Earlier tissue was 4/1, but refined to 3/1 in summary)
  • Itsalladream – 8/1 (Note: Earlier tissue was 7/1, but refined to 8/1 in summary)
  • Catena Zapata – 12/1 (Note: Earlier tissue was 10/1, but refined to 12/1 in summary)

Top Contender + Main Dangers:

  • Top Contender: Redwood Queen – She brings the most solid recent form, is ideally suited by the track and trip, and is likely to be well-positioned tactically. If she reproduces her Wexford run, she is the one to beat.
  • Main Dangers:
    • Arch Empire – He is the improving type with scope for further progression, and the booking of Jack Kennedy is a strong indicator of intent.
    • Dollar Value – As a track specialist at Downpatrick, he poses a significant threat, especially if allowed an easy lead from the front.

3.17 Denvir’s Of Downpatrick Handicap Hurdle (€10,000)

Details: This is a Denvir’s Of Downpatrick Handicap Hurdle valued at €10,000, run over 2m 1f 165y on Good ground. It’s for 4yo+ horses rated 0-100, with a minimum weight of 10-0.

Pace & Track Angles: Downpatrick is a sharp, right-handed track that heavily favors horses that race prominently, especially in these low-grade handicaps where finishing speed can be modest. While several horses (Ar Nos Na Gaoithe, Pahlavi) could contend for the early lead, the overall gallop is expected to be even to steady, which will benefit those racing handy.

Runners:

  • Pahlavi (12-0t, OR 100): An 8-y-o bay gelding by Palavicini. Trainer John Joseph Hanlon has a 14-day rtf% of 30%. He is a long-standing maiden with 0 wins from 25 jumps starts, but has often run creditably, with better form over hurdles recently. He can place, but his stamina might be a concern in a strongly run race.
  • Parkgarve (11-10t, OR 96): A 5-y-o bay gelding by Shirocco. Trainer Ian Patrick Donoghue has a 14-day rtf% of 0%. He is lightly raced with only two handicap starts. He has shown promising form in maiden hurdles, though he unseated his rider last time. He retains potential and could improve off his current mark.
  • Freddie Robdal (11-9t, OR 95): An 8-y-o bay gelding by Valirann. Trainer Henry De Bromhead has a 14-day rtf% of 50%. He is a dual winner over fences this summer and comes into this race fit. While his recent hurdle run was respectable (4th), his hurdle RPR of 90 is lower than his chase form. He needs a patient ride and handles tight tracks well.
  • Ar Nos Na Gaoithe (11-4p, OR 90): A 6-y-o chestnut mare by Doyen. Trainer P J Rothwell has a 14-day rtf% of 67%. She has two wins this year over similar trips and boasts solid course form, including a good 2nd at Downpatrick in June and a fair 4th last month. She travels well and has tactical speed to lay up with the pace.
  • Annarubyrose (11-3h, OR 92): A 4-y-o bay filly by Hillstar. Trainer Gavin Cromwell has a 14-day rtf% of 58%. She is lightly raced with only four starts. She showed some promise in maiden hurdles (3rd at Sligo) but was well beaten on her handicap debut here. She is still very inexperienced but has the potential to progress.
  • Guest Star (11-0tv, OR 89): A 4-y-o bay gelding by Due Diligence. Trainer John C McConnell has a 14-day rtf% of 50%. He is a dual winner on the Flat but has yet to fire over hurdles, often well beaten in his limited starts. His jumping form is not convincing, and he is unproven at this trip and class.
  • Wing Back (11-0h, OR 86): A 5-y-o bay gelding by Malinas. Trainer S Curling has a 14-day rtf% of 33%. He won a maiden hurdle in February but his recent form has been poor, often finishing well down the field. He has shown ability previously but is currently struggling.
  • Centaq (10-8, OR 80): A 5-y-o bay gelding by Centaurian. Trainer Dermot A McLoughlin has a 14-day rtf% of 29%. His best run came in a maiden hurdle (RPR 115), but he has struggled since. While his mark is workable, he looks more like a long-term prospect for further improvement.
  • Georginas Jet (10-7, OR 82): A 4-y-o bay filly by Jet Away. Trainer Paul John Gilligan has a 14-day rtf% of 31%. She is lightly raced and while unplaced in all her runs, her Galway handicap debut showed some promise. Her trainer’s horses can improve quickly in low-grade handicaps, making her a possible dark horse.
  • Mrs Wemyss (10-0tp, OR 72): A 7-y-o bay mare by Sageburg. Trainer E Sheehy has a 14-day rtf% of 0%. She has been struggling badly in her recent starts, often beaten by a wide margin. There has been no sign of form for a long time, and a major revival would be required for her to feature.

Estimated Tissue Odds:

  • Ar Nos Na Gaoithe – 3/1
  • Parkgarve – 9/2
  • Freddie Robdal – 5/1
  • Pahlavi – 6/1
  • Annarubyrose – 7/1
  • Georginas Jet – 10/1
  • Centaq – 12/1
  • Guest Star – 20/1
  • Mrs Wemyss – 50/1
  • Wing Back – 66/1

Top Contender + Main Dangers:

  • Top Contender: Ar Nos Na Gaoithe – She has the most consistent course and trip credentials for this race, and her tactical speed positions her well to be on the pace.
  • Main Dangers:
    • Parkgarve – Still unexposed with a promising profile, he has the potential to be better than his current mark if he puts in a clean round of jumping.
    • Freddie Robdal – With his fitness from recent chase runs, he could pick up the pieces late if the early leaders go too hard.
  • Others to Note: Pahlavi (often thereabouts but vulnerable late), Annarubyrose (lacks experience but potential to step forward), and Georginas Jet (could surprise if sharper for her debut).

3.52 WTW Willis Mares Handicap Hurdle (€14,500)

Details: This is a competitive Mares’ Handicap Hurdle worth €14,500, run over 2m 5f 180y on Good ground. The distance, coupled with Downpatrick’s sharp, right-handed course and uphill finish, makes this race a significant stamina test.

Pace & Track Angles: Downpatrick tends to favor handy or front-running types who can kick turning in, with closers often struggling unless the pace is fierce. Kilbuny Supersonic and Neon Diamond are likely to be early leaders, with Mrs Mc Go and Diamond Tipp positioned prominently. A steady pace could favor Kilbuny Supersonic, while a strong pace might set it up for a strong stayer like Neon Diamond or Maxios Prime to pounce late.

Runners:

  • Neon Diamond (11-12p, OR 118): A 6-y-o bay mare by Westerner. Trainer Gordon Elliott has a 14-day rtf% of 39%. She recently bolted up in a maiden hurdle over a staying trip in cheekpieces, achieving a best RPR of 124. She is a bumper winner and her profile suggests she has more to offer over staying distances. She handles good, soft, and heavy ground. While she carries a big weight on handicap debut, she has the potential to be well ahead of her mark.
  • Kilbuny Supersonic (11-10, OR 116): A 5-y-o bay mare by Harzand. Her best RPR is 124. She destroyed rivals on her hurdling debut at Wexford (20f, good ground) after making all. She is a point winner, lightly raced, and likely still improving. Her 7lb claim helps offset her rating. Her best form has been at 2m 4f, and while she is a dangerous front-runner on good ground, her stamina for this longer trip (2m 5f 180y) is unproven if pressed.
  • Mrs Mc Go (11-6, OR 112): A 7-y-o bay mare by Court Cave. Trainer John C McConnell has a 14-day rtf% of 50%. Her best RPR is 117 from a wide-margin maiden hurdle win at Bellewstown. She has proven course form from a bumper second at Downpatrick. She is effective on good ground and is still lightly raced over hurdles. She is a solid each-way contender and is unexposed at this trip, with her pedigree suggesting she will stay well.
  • Diamond Tipp (11-4t, OR 110): A 5-y-o bay or brown mare by Diamond Boy. Trainer John C McConnell has a 14-day rtf% of 50%. She was an easy maiden hurdle winner here over a shorter trip (17.8f) last month, achieving a best RPR of 122. She had multiple bumper placings last season and handles good ground well. She is progressive and her stable is in form, but she is now stepping up in trip and into stronger company, with her stamina for this longer trip yet to be proven.
  • Maxios Prime (10-6, OR 102): A 4-y-o brown filly by Maxios. Trainer P J Rothwell has a 14-day rtf% of 67%. She is the only 4-y-o in the race and benefits from a weight allowance. She won an open handicap in February and was an excellent second here over 18.8f in June. She stays on strongly and a step up in trip could help her, but her stamina for 2m 6f+ is not yet proven. Her wins are on soft ground, so good ground might be a shade lively.

Estimated Tissue Odds:

  • Neon Diamond – 5/2
  • Kilbuny Supersonic – 3/1
  • Mrs Mc Go – 4/1
  • Diamond Tipp – 7/1
  • Maxios Prime – 10/1

Top Contender + Main Dangers:

  • Win Bet: Neon Diamond – Possessing a class edge and proven at this trip, she appears capable of shouldering top weight and outclassing this field, especially with a high RPR and thriving profile in July/August.
  • Main Dangers:
    • Kilbuny Supersonic – A dangerous front-runner on good ground, she could steal the race if allowed an easy lead. Her profile suggests she “could be anything”.
    • Maxios Prime – An interesting contender at the weights, she is a strong finisher who could outstay her rivals, making her a potential value each-way bet if her stamina holds over the extended trip.
    • Diamond Tipp – With proven course form and a progressive profile, she has scope to feature, although her stamina for this trip is still an unanswered question.

4.22 Alan Dunlop Agri Machinery Maiden Hurdle (€10,000)

Details: This is the Alan Dunlop Agri Machinery Maiden Hurdle, with a total value of €10,000, run over 2m 5f 180y on Good ground. It is open to 4yo+ horses that have not won under any NH Rules or Rules of Racing.

Pace & Track Angles: Expect an even-to-strong gallop as several runners like Coded Welder, Cut The Rope, and William Butler can race prominently. Downpatrick’s right-handed, undulating track rewards horses that are in the first four turning for home.

Runners:

  • Cut The Rope (11-12): A 6-y-o chestnut gelding by Sea The Stars. His best RPR is 117. He is a classy bumper winner and has been a consistent placer over hurdles, often travelling like the winner before being affected by jumping errors or falls. He is proven over 2m4f, and his pedigree suggests 2m6f+ is ideal. He is returning from a 238-day break, so his fitness will be key.
  • William Butler (11-12b): A 5-y-o bay gelding by Yeats. Trainer Gordon Elliott has a 14-day rtf% of 39%. His best RPR is 119 in a NHF race and 118 over hurdles. He is a consistent maiden who has placed multiple times over similar trips, suggesting he stays well and is bred for longer distances. However, he can lack a sharp turn of foot and may be outpaced before rallying.
  • Coded Welder (11-4t): A 6-y-o bay gelding by Lucky Speed. Trainer Paul Mulligan has a 14-day rtf% of 100%. His best RPR is 125 from a Tipperary second place, which is the best in this field. He has placed in all three of his hurdle runs and has course experience from a Downpatrick bumper where he ran out when in contention. He handles good ground, but can jump awkwardly.
  • Dramatic License (11-4t): A 5-y-o bay gelding by Casamento. Trainer S R B Crawford has a 14-day rtf% of 0%. His best RPR is 114, achieved at Downpatrick. He has multiple bumper placings and has shown steady progress over hurdles, including a 3rd on debut here. He is a workmanlike sort who lacks a sharp finishing kick and his stamina beyond 2m4f is yet to be proven.
  • North Moon (11-4): A 5-y-o bay gelding by Spanish Moon. Trainer W P Mullins has a 14-day rtf% of 58%. His best RPR is 108 from a bumper run. He has only had two starts, and while he comes from a top yard, he needs significant improvement on his modest form to be competitive.
  • Southey (11-4t): A 5-y-o chestnut gelding by Tamayuz. Trainer S R B Crawford has a 14-day rtf% of 0%. His best RPR is 109. He has been a consistent placer in moderate maidens, including a second over 2m2f at Downpatrick in July. However, he is Flat-bred, and his stamina for this extended trip is questionable.
  • Beltoy (11-4): A 5-y-o bay gelding by Idaho. Trainer S R B Crawford has a 14-day rtf% of 0%. He has only had one run, where he finished well beaten, suggesting he is a long-term project who needs considerable improvement.

Estimated Tissue Odds:

  • Coded Welder – 2/1
  • Cut The Rope – 5/2
  • William Butler – 4/1
  • Dramatic License – 8/1
  • Southey – 10/1
  • North Moon – 16/1
  • Beltoy – 50/1

Top Contender + Main Dangers:

  • Win: Coded Welder – He brings the best recent RPR (125) and has shown consistent placed form over staying trips, making him the most likely winner if he can avoid jumping errors.
  • Saver: Cut The Rope – He possesses genuine class and has travelled like the winner in past races. If he returns fit from his long break and can jump fluently, he poses a significant threat.
  • Main Danger: William Butler – A strong and honest stayer, he will likely keep on when others fade, making him a contender if the race becomes a real test of stamina.

4.52 Randox Handicap Hurdle (€10,000)

Details: This is the Randox Handicap Hurdle, a 0-100 rated race worth €10,000, over 2m 5f 180y on Good ground. Downpatrick’s course, with its long climb from the last, makes this a stamina test.

Pace & Track Angles: The pace is expected to be honest but not a burn-up, with Benz, Georgia Celena, and Fire Coral likely to be prominent. Track position is crucial at Downpatrick, with handy racers and course specialists often favored, as being within 3-4 lengths turning for home is key.

Runners:

  • Benz (12-0tp, OR 98): A 7-y-o bay gelding by Rock Of Gibraltar. Trainer R K Watson has a 14-day rtf% of 0%. He recently showed a positive front-running display, but his overall form has been inconsistent, and he hasn’t won since 2021. His stamina for the full test of this trip might be questionable.
  • Mickey Cohen (11-12, OR 100): A 4-y-o bay gelding by U S Navy Flag. Trainer Noel Meade has a 14-day rtf% of 71%. His best RPR is 102. He found 3m stretching him last time but finished his race well, suggesting he is suited by good ground. He has shown bits of promise, and while this trip might suit, consistency is lacking.
  • Barrow Ranger (11-8, OR 96): A 4-y-o bay gelding by Walk In The Park. Trainer John Joseph Hanlon has a 14-day rtf% of 30%. His best RPR is 101. He may find life easier now that he’s qualified for a handicap mark. However, his overall profile suggests he needs a drop in class or further experience to compete effectively.
  • Jimli’s Cave (11-7v, OR 91): A 7-y-o bay gelding by Court Cave. Trainer R K Watson has a 14-day rtf% of 0%. He is a course winner over this C&D. His recent form includes a 3rd over fences here where his saddle slipped, making him an unlucky loser. He is consistent in this grade, stays the trip well, and seems to be sharpened by blinkers. He is a strong contender.
  • Lets Do This Buddy (11-4, OR 88): A 6-y-o brown mare by Soldier Of Fortune. Trainer Liam Lennon has a 14-day rtf% of 0%. Her best RPR is 94. She plugged on to be a well-beaten runner-up on one occasion but otherwise has a profile suggesting she needs a drop in class or further experience.
  • Georgia Celena (11-2, OR 86): A 7-y-o bay mare by Hillstar. Trainer John C McConnell has a 14-day rtf% of 50%. She won here last month over this trip in a tight finish, achieving a best RPR of 99. She is a course specialist who stays the trip and handles the ground well, and her confidence will be boosted by her last win. She is up 5lb for her last win and needed every yard, making her vulnerable if the pace dawdles.
  • Firstupbestdressed (11-1, OR 85): A 5-y-o bay gelding by Policy Maker. Trainer Conor David Maxwell has a 14-day rtf% of 0%. His best RPR is 97. He is lightly raced, but his form has been modest, and his stamina for this distance is unproven, as his best run came over a shorter trip.
  • Feast (11-0, OR 84): An 8-y-o bay gelding by Walk In The Park. Trainer Patrick J McKenna has a 14-day rtf% of 0%. He won a bumper here, but his hurdle form has been poor recently, often finishing well down the field. A market check would be needed to consider him.
  • Sineads Fancy (10-13, OR 83): An 8-y-o bay mare by Laverock. Her best RPR is 103. She won over this C&D last August. While she is off a workable mark and proven at the track and trip, her win rate is low, and she often struggles to find extra late. She can outrun her odds but might be vulnerable for the win.
  • Tiny Angel (10-11p, OR 81): A 5-y-o bay mare by Yeats. Trainer Noel C Kelly has a 14-day rtf% of 25%. Her best RPR is 101. She has been consistent, running her race and handling the course well, including a 3rd to Georgia Celena here in July. However, she is 0-10 over hurdles and needs something extra to win. She is a solid place prospect.
  • Fire Coral (10-6t, OR 76): A 6-y-o bay mare by Sea The Stars. Trainer S Curling has a 14-day rtf% of 33%. Her best RPR is 105. She has shown improved form since joining her current yard, with a 4th at Wexford (24f) and a 3rd here (17.8f). She has shaped like a winner in waiting and is lightly raced over staying trips, making her an interesting improver. However, she is 0-16 over hurdles.
  • Wee Vee (10-3, OR 73): A 5-y-o bay mare by Court Cave. Trainer S R B Crawford has a 14-day rtf% of 0%. Her best RPR is 94. Her profile suggests she needs a drop in class or further experience to be competitive.
  • Jollie Cosmos (10-2, OR 72): A 9-y-o brown mare by Arctic Cosmos. Trainer P J Rothwell has a 14-day rtf% of 67%. Her best RPR is 104. She stays well and has been hampered in races, but her recent form is patchy, and she often finds little off the bridle. She could grab a place if the race collapses.

Estimated Tissue Odds:

  • Jimli’s Cave – 3/1
  • Georgia Celena – 4/1 (Note: Earlier tissue was 7/2, refined to 4/1 in summary)
  • Fire Coral – 9/2
  • Tiny Angel – 6/1
  • Sineads Fancy – 8/1
  • Benz – 14/1 (Note: Earlier tissue was 10/1, refined to 14/1 in summary)
  • Firstupbestdressed – 16/1
  • Jollie Cosmos – 20/1+

Top Contender + Main Dangers:

  • Win bet: Jimli’s Cave – He is a course specialist over this C&D with a favorable setup, and previous non-wins often came with genuine excuses, making him the strong selection.
  • Main Danger: Georgia Celena – She is thriving at Downpatrick, having won here last month, and her proven stamina and course form make her an obvious threat.
  • Each-way Value:
    • Fire Coral – She has shown significant improvement since joining her new yard and looks ready to break her maiden, making her a major threat and good value.
    • Sineads Fancy – She is back to the C&D of her last win and off the same mark, suggesting she could be dangerous at a price.

5.22 Download The Tote App INH Flat Race (€10,000)

Details: This is the Download The Tote App INH Flat Race (bumper), with a total value of €10,000, run over 2m 2f 185y on Good ground. It is open to 4yo+ horses that have not yet won any race under NH Rules or Rules of Racing.

Pace & Track Angles: Downpatrick bumpers are typically tactical, with track position being key. The good ground will suit horses with proven pace rather than those needing a stamina grind. Horses that race prominently or just off the pace tend to fare better here.

Runners:

  • Minella Supreme (12-0): A 5-y-o brown gelding by Soldier Of Fortune. Trainer John C McConnell has a 14-day rtf% of 50%. He has shown solid and improving form in competitive bumpers, with a 3rd at Bellewstown and a 2nd at Killarney. He races handily and keeps on gamely, with his figures good enough to win an average Downpatrick bumper. His trainer’s bumper horses have a good record at this course.
  • Scary Askari (12-0): A 5-y-o bay gelding by Buck’s Boum. He has a best RPR of 65. He has been tailed off on his Downpatrick debut and pulled up twice in France, showing no competitive form so far. He is unlikely to feature unless there’s a dramatic turnaround.
  • Whatafoolbelieves (12-0t): A 5-y-o bay gelding by Pillar Coral. Trainer John C McConnell has a 14-day rtf% of 50%. He has no recorded rules form and has a history of pulling up in his races. While he shares the same trainer as the favorite, he has no competitive form and has been absent for 105 days, making him hard to recommend unless heavily backed.
  • Crossbar Getaway (11-7): A 5-y-o bay mare by Getaway. Trainer Gordon Elliott has a 14-day rtf% of 39%. Her best RPR is 108. She was a strong 4th in a Galway bumper last year and finished 2nd on her debut at Tramore. She tends to be held up and runs on strongly, and is likely fitter now for her seasonal return. Gordon Elliott excels in bumpers, but she tends to find one too good.
  • Pointwelltaken (11-4): A 4-y-o bay filly by Idaho. Trainer E Sheehy has a 14-day rtf% of 0%. Her best RPR is 95. She showed a sharp improvement from her debut to finish 3rd at Wexford last time, benefiting from her 4yo allowance. She is forward-going and likely to improve further, but needs a significant step up to challenge the top contenders.

Estimated Tissue Odds:

  • Minella Supreme – 5/2
  • Crossbar Getaway – 3/1
  • Pointwelltaken – 12/1
  • Whatafoolbelieves – 16/1
  • Scary Askari – 25/1

Top Contender + Main Dangers:

  • Win Bet: Minella Supreme – With proven bumper form and an improving profile, he brings the best recent RPRs and benefits from a strong trainer/jockey combination, making him the one to beat.
  • Main Danger: Crossbar Getaway – Her strong Galway form and Gordon Elliott’s notable bumper strike-rate at Downpatrick make her a significant threat, particularly if the race is run at a strong pace.
  • Speculative Place: Pointwelltaken – Having shown sharp improvement on her second start and benefiting from her allowance, she could sneak a place if she continues to progress and the front-runners dominate.

2 responses to “Preview of the Downpatrick card on Sunday.”

  1. Excellent summary

    Like

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