UK Horse Racing Tips: Downpatrick

There was definite promise in CLONGOREY's keeping-on fourth on debut in a fillies' maiden hurdle at Wexford just under three weeks ago. The runner-up in that contest has since been good enough to land a maiden hurdle in Tramore. In The Trenches is proving expensive to follow in being placed in his last five races over flights. There should be one of these in him, though. Chart Topper is sent hurdling by Willie Mullins after a couple of third places in bumpers and could get in the mix. John McConnell's Ravelli is a recruit from the Flat that is well worth a market check, while his stablemate Our Shane has been doing well in point-to-points.
Prediction : 1st Clongorey 2nd In The Trenches 3rd Chart Topper

ST DENIS'S WELL reverts back to hurdling on a mark some 29lb lower than his chase rating. He actually won in a higher grade over flights at Navan last November, so has prospects. Ragmans Corner was all the rage in the market for a handicap hurdle at Ballinrobe this month and was just caught close home. He is up 3lb, but remains in the same 80-95 grade, so is likely to be popular with punters again. Mr Sundancer showed marked improvement for third in Wexford and is another gunning for a cheque. A mistake at the last did Sandyman no favours over C&D this month. His challenge soon petered out, but a better result could be forthcoming.
Prediction : 1st St Deniss Well 2nd Ragmans Corner 3rd Mr Sundancer

This looks a good opportunity for INTENSE APPROACH to make the breakthrough over hurdles. He has two bumpers banked, but has accumulated unwanted letters beside his name when falling in Wexford and Bellewstown and being pulled up at Kelso. He took a big step forward in this discipline, though, when second over C&D this month. Stormbreaker is the potential fly in the ointment. James Fanshawe saddled him to win twice on the Flat in Britain and he wasn't unbacked on his debut for Willie Mullins on the level in Galway. He was unplaced and is swiftly sent over hurdles, and will know his job. Jeu De Pic and Eco Pete have both shown enough to have a say here.
Prediction : 1st Intense Approach 2nd Stormbreaker 3rd Jeu De Pic

TANKARDSTOWN DIVA appeals back at this sort of trip. She made up plenty of ground for fifth over an extended 2m in Galway that was probably sharp enough for her. Prior to that, she won over a staying trip at Down Royal and was placed in Bellewstown. Class-dropper Andys Flame won on his sole previous visit to Downpatrick, so is a significant threat. Quite Incredible won over C&D in May and, although his next two efforts have been underwhelming, he gets a first-time visor and a better performance could be on the way. Pettigo reserves her best performances for this track and has been placed on both visits.
Prediction : 1st Tankardstown Diva 2nd Andys Flame 3rd Quite Incredible

PRAIRIE DANCER could be dangerous if able to dictate in this small field. This talented hurdler has had three spins over the bigger obstacles and has to bounce back from a below-par run at Kilbeggan last month, but that is feasible. On his penultimate start over fences, he was second to a ready winner in Tipperary who boosted the form in a very competitive novice chase at Killarney on Saturday. Watch The Weather should be heavily involved on the back of a couple of third places in beginners' chases at Wexford. There is surely more to come from Pacini in this discipline while Bukhill, who unseated at Tramore, isn't out of it.
Prediction : 1st Prairie Dancer 2nd Watch The Weather 3rd Pacini

Rated much lower over fences compared to her hurdles mark of 128, DESERT HEATHER could prove hard to beat. The eight-year-old was fourth in a Listed contest when sent off favourite on her penultimate start and she clearly didn't enjoy very testing conditions when last seen at Clonmel in December. Successful at Kilbeggan in July, Aliunde is sure to have plenty of supporters, while dual course winner Robin De Roost is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Desert Heather 2nd Aliunde 3rd Robin De Roost

WINDING RIVER clearly enjoys his trips to Downpatrick and has yet to finish outside the first three in five visits to the venue. A runner-up on three of his last four starts, he can go well once again. The hat-trick seeking Presenting Lad is sure to prove popular once again. Faux Fur was narrowly behind Presenting Lad at Tramore and is likely to give a good account of herself, while Galway winner Son Of Hypnos is another with claims.
Prediction : 1st Winding River 2nd Presenting Lad 3rd Faux Fur