UK Horse Racing Tips: Downpatrick

GONE FOR TEA was outclassed when last seen in Grade 3 company behind Brighterdaysahead at Down Royal in November but looks up to winning a race of this standard on previous form. The Champs Elysees mare had been runner-up on her hurdling debut over course and distance previously and that track form is a big plus. Valsorpresa is capable of better than she showed on her final outing of last season and could be a danger now with title chasing Jack Kennedy taking the mount. One Night Standard has shown promise in a couple of strong maiden hurdles this spring and is a potential improver.
Prediction : 1st Gone For Tea 2nd Valsorpresa 3rd One Night Standard

A couple of the big yards look to have a very strong hold on this race for maidens rated less than 109. Gordon Elliott saddles two and PALLAS ATHENE gets the vote in first time cheekpieces. The Milan mare drops in trip having been beaten favourite when fourth over two-and-a-half miles at Down Royal 12 days ago and this looks like a nice opportunity. The Henry de Bromhead-trained The Great Unknown looks the danger. She has been competing in some strong events, including behind Tullyhill at Naas, and this is her easiest task to date on the racecourse. Hey Whatever disappointed in handicap company on her last outing at Fairyhouse but previous maiden form gives her a chance in this.
Prediction : 1st Pallas Athene 2nd The Great Unknown 3rd Hey Whatever

BENJIS BENEFIT was backed like defeat was out of the question at at Gowran back in January and may be worth another chance here. The Westerner gelding finished a well-beaten fourth then in very testing conditions and the ground will be a bit livelier now. This looks like a weaker race as well. Paddy Elvis ran well when third to the well-handicapper Tankardstown Diva at Down Royal last time and has to be on the shortlist off just a pound higher mark. Simply Shabra didn't run too badly on his last outing at Naas and could be place material now.
Prediction : 1st Benjis Benefit 2nd Paddy Elvis 3rd Simply Shabra

SURF CLUB is turned out again quickly after gaining his first success, over fences, at Tramore on Monday. He probably improved for jumping the larger obstacles the other day but with that confidence boosting win under his belt this looks like a mark he can score off over timber. Jacenry bumped into one in O'Faolains Glory at Down Royal last time and it was still a solid run to finish second. Off just 2lb higher he's entitled to be a big player. Stockdale was a couple of places behind Jacenry last time and has been knocking on the door. She could pick up prize money again.
Prediction : 1st Surf Club 2nd Jacenry 3rd Stockdale

ASK ANYTHING was originally set to carry top weight in this when it was cancelled earlier in the month but has less on his plate now after the addition of a couple of higher rated rivals. Gavin Cromwell's charge ran a cracker when last seen in a competitive novice handicap final at Navan last month and there appears scope for further improvement at this marathon trip from the Ask gelding. Frontal Assault is a significant addition to the field having run well to finish fourth in the Irish National at Fairyhouse on Easter Monday. He's just a pound higher and is entitled to be a big player. Another Gordon Elliott-trained runner that could play a part is the mare Jumping Jet, who has a feather-weight with Carl Millar taking off 7lb.
Prediction : 1st Ask Anything 2nd Frontal Assault 3rd Jumping Jet

A chance is taken on WESTERN COMANDOR with a different combination of headgear tried on this second start for a new yard. A useful bumper and hurdle horse for John Ryan, he was rated as high as 116 at one time over the smaller obstacles and the six-year-old from the family of Hunt Ball may yet find his niche as a chaser. Gladiatorial hasn't been the safest conveyance over fences but has come down in the ratings and was twice second over hurdles at this venue last year. He might need the run after nearly seven months off but has to enter calculations nonetheless in such an ordinary contest. Jimli's Island is a modest maiden but was fourth at Down Royal earlier this month after two years out of action and any improvement on that would see him involved.
Prediction : 1st Western Comandor 2nd Gladiatorial 3rd Jimlis Island

DUFFLE COAT looks the obvious one here after finishing second in all three chase starts this year. He hasn't got his head in front since his juvenile hurdling days but his chase form behind useful types is hard to fault and he had Bardenstown Lad over seven lengths away at Down Royal last time. Walk Away has been difficult to keep sound and the veteran's latest performances have been poor. However, he has some strong form in the book and it was less than a year ago when he was runner-up in a similar contest at Tipperary. Another Choice lacks chasing experience but is a fair hurdler with a course win to his name. He will enjoy decent ground and could show up well.
Prediction : 1st Duffle Coat 2nd Walk Away 3rd Another Choice