UK Horse Racing Tips: Downpatrick

BIG STAGE started off the year by running fifth behind subsequent Champion Bumper hero Jasmin De Vaux at Naas and has acquitted himself well over hurdles since, finishing third at Punchestown before occupying the runner-up berth at Cork and back at Naas. He probably won't need to raise his game in order to take this lesser event, although Nouvotic has kept good company and Kalanisi Flash has performed with credit at this venue before. Give jumping newcomer Remember'hesmine plenty of thought too.
Prediction : 1st Big Stage 2nd Nouvotic 3rd Rememberhesmine

Kilbrin Rocco sprung a surprise here, on the same card that Son Of Hypnos struck over fences. The latter is 7lb lower than his revised chase mark, while Politicise is also 7lb below his rating in that sphere after just getting up over the bigger obstacles at Down Royal. C'EST QUELQU'UN is another out to capitalise on a comparatively lenient timber figure and although the wheels have come off since he shared the spoils here back in September, he is too well treated to ignore.
Prediction : 1st CEst Quelquun 2nd Son Of Hypnos 3rd Politicise

Garde La Peche didn't look likely to ever repay the 170,000 pounds shelled out for her when down the field at Limerick over Christmas, but there was a lot more to like about her subsequent Naas third. GOING LIVE wasn't much cheaper, costing 150,000 pounds after winning between the flags at Lingstown. Gordon Elliott has given him some time to adjust to his new surroundings and that can pay dividends. Step Out will find this much easier than the Grade 2 bumper he contested at Aintree, and Gone For Tea shouldn't be far away either.
Prediction : 1st Going Live 2nd Garde La Peche 3rd Step Out

Gordon Elliott and Danny Gilligan teamed up to win this race 12 months ago and that pair appear to have another big chance with DOCTOR NIGHTINGALE this time around. Although facing much better ground conditions than when opening her account on heavy at Limerick, she has run well on quick enough surfaces in the past and makes plenty of appeal on only her second handicap start. Whotookthebiscuit cuts back in trip after disappointing at Punchestown and it's worth noting that Rachael Blackmore rides her for the first time, while Redwood Queen and Magic Olinger are others to keep an eye on.
Prediction : 1st Doctor Nightingale 2nd Whotookthebiscuit 3rd Redwood Queen

O'Faolains Glory and Seasett both make their chasing debuts following solid placed efforts over timber and they must enter calculations, but ERIGMOOR's previous fencing experience might prove the difference. He wasn't devoid of promise during his time with Stuart Edmunds in England and there was much to like about his opening effort for the Gordon Elliott stable when third at Tramore last month. Any improvement would make him tough to beat, while Flashthelights' latest third over hurdles here gives him a squeak.
Prediction : 1st Erigmoor 2nd OFaolains Glory 3rd Seasett

Lady Kate showed a likeable attitude when scoring over an extended 2m7f at Tipperary last month and she should make a bold bid to follow up despite a 6lb rise. That said, TANGENTAL was an early faller when sent off a warm order in the aforementioned Tipperary contest and, providing he brushes up in the jumping department this time around, a big run could be on the cards. Faith Loving sports cheekpieces for the first time and an improved display would come as no surprise.
Prediction : 1st Tangental 2nd Lady Kate 3rd Faith Loving

Point-to-point winner OCEAN BREW made a pleasing start when finishing runner-up on her Rules debut at Cork last month, and she gets the vote to go one place better with that experience under her belt. Ellen Kelly is making her debut for the all-conquering Willie Mullins stable and she commands attention, while Sansrisk has the ability to play a hand in a race of this nature and she completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Ocean Brew 2nd Ellen Kelly 3rd Sansrisk