UK Horse Racing Tips: Downpatrick

The Noel Meade-trained GAME ON sets a fair standard in this opening contest. A former point-to-point runner-up, the gelding disappointed on his racecourse debut at Punchestown in February but has reached the frame on his two most recent starts. Third over course and distance last time, he proved that he was capable of handling the undulations of this track and, from an official rating of 112, the son of Jack Hobbs is entitled to be bang there at the finish. Fool Me Once also has recent form at this venue, having been runner-up here on his penultimate start. Stepping up in trip should suit the Gavin Cromwell-trained runner. Mister Frostie should also be competitive for his locally based yard.
Prediction : 1st Game On 2nd Fool Me Once 3rd Mister Frostie

Stepping up to this trip for the first time under Rules should see CHEF'S KISS open his account. A former point-to-point winner, the Philip Rothwell-trained gelding caught the eye staying on late to finish third at Limerick on his handicap debut over Christmas. Dropped back in distance on his latest two outings, the Mount Nelson five-year-old looked outpaced before running on late. Third in a bumper on his only previous visit to this track, he holds strong claims now faced with a test of stamina. Tramore winner Our Zebo came from well off the pace when runner-up over course and distance on his previous start. Sights Unseen also merits consideration stepping back up in distance.
Prediction : 1st Chefs Kiss 2nd Our Zebo 3rd Sights Unseen

KILLIAN'S GARDEN has shaped well enough in three previous starts to suggest he can win an ordinary maiden such as this one. Outpaced before staying on nicely at Ballinrobe on his most recent start, the Ciaran Murphy-trained gelding should benefit from the stiffer test here. Although his profile suggests he is one for handicaps, this looks a very winnable contest. Ayr bumper winner Jazz De Cotte has to concede weight to his rivals as a result of that previous success. However, the Fly With Me gelding has the potential to make his presence felt all the same. Tramore runner-up Sea Of Doubt wouldn't need to improve a great deal in order to be involved for Ian Donoghue.
Prediction : 1st Killians Garden 2nd Jazz De Cotte 3rd Sea Of Doubt

Following an eye-catching run on the Flat at Navan recently, MISS GITANA is interesting back over flights. A dual winner in the latter discipline, the Gordon Elliott-trained four-year-old is relatively unexposed over hurdles after just the five career starts. Although her jumping needs to improve, she shaped with definite promise when third at Down Royal on her most recent outing under National Hunt rules. A mark of 94 could prove to be very lenient once the daughter of Nathaniel gets her jumping together. Billie Frechette is worthy of consideration on her handicap debut. Noel Meade's filly was another who suffered an interrupted passage on the Flat last time. Runner-up on her last three runs, Queenofthelodge should again be competitive.
Prediction : 1st Miss Gitana 2nd Billie Frechette 3rd Queenofthelodge

Having scored over course and distance last August, CALAHILL holds strong claims for Cian Collins. Although absent since a disappointing run at Tramore the following month, runners from this stable seldom fail through lack of fitness. Very lightly raced for a 10-year-old, the Califet gelding remains open to improvement over fences this term. It will be interesting to see how strong he is in the market after an absence. A point-to-point runner-up, Person Of Interest is difficult to assess on his chasing debut. Third over hurdles at Clonmel last time, the five-year-old could be well treated. Dee's Getaway, a winner over hurdles at Tramore last season, also merits consideration in an open affair.
Prediction : 1st Calahill 2nd Person Of Interest 3rd Dees Getaway

A progressive gelding when last seen, GENERAL HUBBLE may be open to further improvement this term. Fourth on his most recent start at Fairyhouse in November, the Gordon Elliott-trained seven-year-old had won his two previous outings. His profile suggests that he is a horse who comes to hand quickly, as he has won and been placed off the back of a break in previous campaigns. It would be no surprise to see a bold showing from the son of Telescope. Jimli's Cave, who sole win over hurdles came at this track, is sure to have been laid out by shrewd local connections. Down Royal runner-up College Causeway should also be competitive for trainer John McConnell.
Prediction : 1st General Hubble 2nd Jimlis Cave 3rd College Causeway

A consistent mare, who has been placed in four of her five previous runs, DERRYVILLE can register a first win. The Sam Curling-trained five-year-old finished runner-up to the subsequent Grade 1 Cheltenham bumper winner at Punchestown in December. There was plenty to take from her recent reappearance when a staying on fifth at the Fairyhouse Easter Festival. Sure to be all the sharper following that comeback, the Affinisea mare should be hard to beat. With Emmet Mullins proving a real force in bumpers of late, Tricksofthetrade has to be respected on just her second start under rules. A former point-to-point runner-up, she will appreciate this stiff test. Broomfield Aderra also looks a leading contender under Josh Halford.
Prediction : 1st Derryville 2nd Tricksofthetrade 3rd Broomfield Aderra