Pace/Drawing Angle:
Downpatrick is a sharp right-handed track where prominent racers often hold an advantage, especially over fences at this trip. Expect Lakefield Flyer, Macinamillion and possibly Willywampus to be handy. Hold-up horses like Look Dont Touch may struggle to get involved if pace is only even.

---

Strongest Contenders

• Portarlington (Proven/Progressive) – Back at the scene of his hurdle win, now with a visor instead of cheekpieces. His prior chase win and strong track record put him right in the mix.
• Woodstream Lad (Well Handicapped/Interesting Outsider) – Not yet proven over fences (0-4), but back on the same mark as his easy hurdles win here last month. A big danger if he finally translates that form to fences.
• Lakefield Flyer (Proven) – Game C&D winner in July, beating Wajaaha. A poor run last time but still looks dangerous at this level.

---

Main Dangers

• Macinamillion (Promising) – Yet to win a chase but cheekpieces tried for the first time; that fourth at Tipperary puts him in the mix if he repeats it.
• Willywampus (Exposed but capable) – On his last winning mark, and had a chance before unseating at Tramore. Needs to cut out mistakes but not dismissed.
• Wajaaha (Exposed but genuine) – Pushed Lakefield Flyer close here in July, though more of a place threat now at 10yo.

---

Less Persuasive Profiles

• Presenting Lad – Multiple wins in the past but badly out of sorts this season.
• Look Dont Touch – Consistent in low-level hurdles but unconvincing in chases.
• Metamorpheus – Not bred for fences; Galway hurdle fifth showed ability but unproven in this sphere.

---

Runner Scores (Suitability /10)

• Portarlington – 8/10 (track form, visor angle, back to fences)
• Woodstream Lad – 8/10 (well handicapped if jumping holds up)
• Lakefield Flyer – 7/10 (proven C&D winner, slight worry after last run)
• Macinamillion – 6.5/10 (cheekpieces could help; inconsistent)
• Willywampus – 6/10 (dangerous on best form but jumping a risk)
• Wajaaha – 6/10 (honest, but peak efforts behind him)
• Metamorpheus – 5/10 (unexposed chaser, more a watching brief)
• Look Dont Touch – 4/10 (hard to fancy in this grade)
• Presenting Lad – 3/10 (out of form)

---

Each-Way Angles

With 9 runners and competitive odds, Woodstream Lad makes the strongest each-way case. Handicapped to strike if jumping holds up.

---

Private Tissue (my fair odds)

• Portarlington 3/1
• Woodstream Lad 7/2
• Lakefield Flyer 9/2
• Macinamillion 11/2
• Willywampus 7/1
• Wajaaha 8/1
• Metamorpheus 10/1
• Look Dont Touch 14/1
• Presenting Lad 20/1

---

Summary & Smart Play

This looks trappy, but the sharp track and proven course form should count heavily.

Smart Play:

• Win Bet – Portarlington (back at Downpatrick, visor could sharpen him)
• Each-Way Saver – Woodstream Lad (well handicapped, C&D hurdles win shows ability)

Lakefield Flyer is respected but looks priced about right; Macinamillion the joker in the pack with cheekpieces applied.