UK Horse Racing Tips: Downpatrick

Law Ella travelled well when finding only one too good at Punchestown in February, but she has proved expensive to follow in the past and it may pay to take Gavin Cromwell's mare on once more. The stoutly-bred SMOOTH PLAYER ran his best race over timber to date when runner-up over 2m at Navan and he's fancied to shed his maiden tag over obstacles now faced with a stiffer test. Ottizzini has posted some creditable efforts in defeat of late and is another to note in these calmer waters.
Prediction : 1st Smooth Player 2nd Law Ella 3rd Ottizzini

Ballyquin Bay makes both his seasonal and handicap debut off what could prove a workable mark and Gordon Elliott's charge isn't taken lightly. WINDING RIVER, however, posted two improved bids over fences since his last appearance over the smaller obstacles and the six-year-old could take some beating if given a similarly positive ride in this sphere. Ballyglass Beauty weakened into third in the latter stages over 2m7f at Thurles last month, his first appearance for 89 days, and he also merits respect now eased slightly in distance.
Prediction : 1st Winding River 2nd Ballyquin Bay 3rd Ballyglass Beauty

The booking of Rachel Blackmore for TIPP FOR MAC catches the eye and the six-year-old must hold every chance if building upon a career-best effort when placed at Clonmel. A mark of 102 on his handicap debut seems feasible and the 4lb he receives from Steppenwolf could prove crucial, with that gelding looking his main danger following a strong second at Fairyhouse in December. His stablemate Carlton Gardens is another to consider, along with C&D winners Trishknowsbest and I Don't Get It.
Prediction : 1st Tipp For Mac 2nd Steppenwolf 3rd I Dont Get It

The value may lie with CIRCUS ACT, who has not been outside the first three in her last five starts and was narrowly denied by a subsequent winner at Doncaster last month. The step up in trip may only aid her cause and the daughter of Buratino is preferred to stablemates Queenie Newall and Soldaro, both of whom arrive with decent enough claims. Return To Base has yet to back up the form of her maiden hurdle win at Punchestown last May but she is not one to dismiss, while Bella Bliss is also considered.
Prediction : 1st Circus Act 2nd Soldaro 3rd Return To Base

The step up to this extreme trip could work the oracle for MALINA GIRL, a daughter of Malinas, who has had progeny that have excelled over three miles-plus. Gavin Cromwell's mare was really consistent until struggling in a hot Leopardstown handicap, and decent ground looks another plus. Fakiera has been set some stiff assignments, while My Design has scope for improvement on just her third run over fences. Punitive beat Fakiera in the Porterstown in December so is a guaranteed stayer, with The Dabbler, The Jam Man and Wa Wa others to note.
Prediction : 1st Malina Girl 2nd Punitive 3rd The Dabbler

SHES SOME DOLL can gain a deserved victory here. The Yeats mare has had some jumping issues but has run well on her last couple of starts, most recently when second to Motown Maggie at Navan early last month. She was just pipped close home then and off a pound higher mark must have a big shout of gaining compensation. So Ladylike has a feather weight in this with Shane O'Callaghan taking a valuable 7lb off and she could be a danger. Another daughter of Yeats, she ran really well on her penultimate outing when chasing home Ocean Legacy over fences at Wexford. Full Noise has been out of form recently but market moves would be interesting off a lowly mark.
Prediction : 1st Shes Some Doll 2nd So Ladylike 3rd Full Noise

CUSTERS MISTAKE had some decent 'track' form a couple of years ago and could prove the pick here after a couple of wins in point-to-points. The Zoffany gelding was only beaten a head in a Roscommon maiden hurdle back in September 2021 and was also placed a couple of times over fences. He has struck twice having had his sights lowered in point-to-points this year and this looks a winnable opportunity now back on the racecourse. Shantou Snow is a potential improver and could be the danger. He took a maiden at Kirkistown in February on his second start and that form has been boosted since with the runner-up going on to score by a wide margin back at the same venue. Faith Loving has some good point-to-point form and this is a lot easier than the hunters chase he ran in at Fairyhouse, behind the exciting Ferns Lock. He could get involved at the business end this time.
Prediction : 1st Custers Mistake 2nd Shantou Show 3rd Faith Loving