UK Horse Racing Tips: Downpatrick

The lightly-raced JAZZ DE COTTE can open his account over hurdles. Runner-up on his sole point-to-point run, the six-year-old made a winning start to his career under Rules in an Ayr bumper in April 2024. Pulled up on his first start over jumps at Tipperary back in November, he shaped much better when second at Naas last month. With the potential for further improvement this season, the Gordon Elliott-trained gelding is given the nod. Point-to-point winner Hills Of Glory is very unexposed for an eight-year-old and has one or two pieces of form that would give him every chance. Sligo third Parkgarve has scope for further improvement having only had the two career starts to date.
Prediction : 1st Jazz De Cotte 2nd Hills Of Glory 3rd Parkgarve

Recent Wexford winner SPLENDID CHOICE can make it back-to-back victories. The Philip Rothwell-trained gelding won a shade comfortably last weekend, so a 5lb rise doesn't appear that much of a burden. Although that was the first time he managed to get his head in front, it would be no surprise to see him improve further with the benefit of that confidence booster. Arcland is an interesting contender on his stable debut for Gavin Cromwell. A record of one win from 35 starts doesn't inspire confidence, but Cromwell does exceptionally well with cast-offs. Wrecking Ball Paul could be dangerous if allowed an easy time of it in front.
Prediction : 1st Splendid Choice 2nd Arcland 3rd Wrecking Ball Paul

Having looked to improve for the step up in trip when second over C&D, SIGHTS UNSEEN can go one place better. The Gavin Cromwell-trained mare was twice runner-up in point-to-points, so stamina appears to be her forte. Given that she proved her effectiveness around this undulating track on her recent visit, the six-year-old has much to recommend her. Dylan's Chance is a gelding who can run well at bigger odds. Although yet to show a great deal in seven starts over hurdles, he hinted at ability when fifth at Limerick in November. Recent Sligo fourth True Destiny merits respect.
Prediction : 1st Sights Unseen 2nd Dylans Chance 3rd True Destiny

TANKARDSTOWN DIVA can make the most of her experience against rivals who have had limited opportunities over fences. The Ian Donoghue-trained mare ran better than her final placing suggests when fifth at this track earlier in the month. Having made good headway to go second after the penultimate fence, the grey weakened on the run-in. Dropped back in trip now, she should be much more effective over what is arguably her optimum distance. Point-to-point winner Coffeys Forge remains of definite interest having had just the three starts for Gordon Elliott. He could be capable of better now that he tackles fences for the first time. The versatile nine-year-old Darkened is another with claims in a competitive affair.
Prediction : 1st Tankardstown Diva 2nd Coffeys Forge 3rd Darkened

Punchestown runner-up SQUIRE OHARA looks to have been found a nice opportunity to register a first success on the track. Successful in a point-to-point at Loughanmore last month, the Tony Martin-trained gelding ran a big race when chasing home a short-priced favourite at the Festival. A seven-year-old who had previously shown promise under Rules before going back pointing, he is open to further improvement this season. Placed a few times over hurdles earlier in his career, Chiefs Kingdom ran well when runner-up on his point-to-point debut at Ballycahane in March. Paul Nolan's gelding looks the biggest threat to the selection, although King In The Park has to be respected coming from the David Christie academy.
Prediction : 1st Squire Ohara 2nd Chiefs Kingdom 3rd King In The Park

Former Munster National winner ONTHEROPES can register a first success under this code since that 2021 victory at Limerick. A point-to-point scorer at Carrigarostig in January, he finished runner-up in a competitive hunter chase at Naas on his return to the track the following month. Following respectable runs at Cheltenham and Aintree, the 11-year-old filled fourth place at the Punchestown Festival earlier this month. He should find this an easier assignment than what he has faced of late. Vina Ardanza, third in a Grade 1 novice hurdle behind Jonbon and El Fabiolo at his peak, has the potential to do well as a hunter chaser. Course winner Asphalt Cowboy is young enough to improve further in the coming seasons.
Prediction : 1st Ontheropes 2nd Vina Ardanza 3rd Asphalt Cowboy

NOBLE NAME, who looked a strong stayer when rallying to finish third at Tipperary recently, can open her account. The Claire O'Connell-trained mare had previously won a point-to-point at Oldcastle and that form received a boost when the runner-up easily won on her next start. With the benefit of previous racecourse experience, the five-year-old holds leading claims. Better Times, who was fourth on that same Tipperary card, is another worthy of consideration. He, too, should be all the better for that experience. Cinammon Roll finished behind Better Times, but has to be respected given the form of Gordon Elliott in bumpers in recent weeks.
Prediction : 1st Noble Name 2nd Better Times 3rd Cinammon Roll