UK Horse Racing Tips: Downpatrick

KENISA SPORT has to carry a penalty in this but it looks like a nice opportunity to make a winning start over timber. The No Risk At All mare opened her account in fine style when landing a bumper here last month. She has jumping experience from point-to-points and despite giving weight to her rivals she should be good enough to score again here. Sophia Rose shaped nicely when fifth on her hurdling debut at Listowel 12 days ago and could be the danger. The other bumper winner in the field, West End Victory, has a long absence to overcome and may be best watched on her first outing for Sonny Carey.
Prediction : 1st Kenisa Sport 2nd Sophia Rose 3rd West End Victory

HILLS OF GLORY was left on the same mark after winning his maiden hurdle here last month and can follow up now back in handicap company. Kevin Sexton has been in demand in these 15 winners or less races recently and this Fame And Glory gelding looks like another with a big shout for him. Goodie Girl also won here at the last meeting and the runner-up Arcland has gone on to score on the Flat since. She looks like a danger. Paddy Cleary is another rider who has benefitted from these races recently and the consistent Chortal has to be on the shortlist as well.
Prediction : 1st Hills Of Glory 2nd Goodie Girl 3rd Chortal

ROSE OF KALANISI was a game winner when landing a gamble at Kelso in April and may be able to follow up. She won off a mark of 91 in Scotland and is on the same rating here but in reality has gone up a few pounds due to the different scales used. Josh Williamson takes a useful 7lb off her back which is a plus. Comeonarchie had some decent winter form and comes here off a little break. He is capable of running a big race off his current mark. Menas Miracle ran well when runner-up at Tramore last time and is another for the shortlist off a feather weight.
Prediction : 1st Rose Of Kalanisi 2nd Comeonarchie 3rd Menas Miracle

RIVER VALE could be worth chancing on his first crack at racecourse fences. He has been putting in reasonable shifts over flights and was a notable second on slow ground at Limerick over Christmas. He acquitted himself well in three point-to-points spins with a victory secured in Dawstown. There are plenty of prominent racers and he may just creep into contention. Flash Collonges is worth a market check on his first start for the Watsons as this is a drop in class for him. A first-time visor is tried on him. Gorthill is in decent nick but has been enjoying staying assignments and this is a steep drop in trip for him, while Look Dont Touch is another with claims.
Prediction : 1st River Vale 2nd Flash Collonges 3rd Gorthill

ALEISH LASS disappointed when last seen in a handicap hurdle at Cork but, prior to that, had been performing very consistently. She won a handicap hurdle in Limerick and was placed in Naas, in addition to winning one of her two point-to-points. Trainer Conor Maxwell has three chances in this beginners' chase and Karloss may prove to be the best of them. There was definite promise in his fifth place on his first start for Maxwell at Clonmel last month. That run came off a long absence and there could be more to come up in trip. Butchers Bill didn't set the world alight over hurdles, but represents strong connections and switches to fences in a race lacking depth.
Prediction : 1st Aleish Lass 2nd Karloss 3rd Butchers Bill

GENERAL HUBBLE looks a likely sort for Gordon Elliott. He kept on for fifth in a higher grade at Punchestown last weekend, and has winning form over fences from Fairyhouse and Punchestown last November. Early Arrival won a handicap hurdle on soft ground at Sligo last summer and there's plenty of rain forecast for Downpatrick. A placed effort over fences in Tramore at the end of May gives him a chance. Ocodango Boy has been off since unseating at this track in October, but has a squeak as does Jimli's Cave. Dinoland has ability over hurdles, but was pulled up on his sole start over fences. He has an absence since September to overcome.
Prediction : 1st General Hubble 2nd Early Arrival 3rd Ocodango Boy

KAMIKAZ DU PLESSIS appeals reverting to a bumper after finishing runner-up in a maiden hurdle at Ballinrobe. He kept the odds-on favourite honest there as he only went down by half a length. The obvious danger is the newcomer North Moon who represents Willie and Patrick Mullins. He's a half-brother to a Grade 3-winning hurdler in France, so a big run wouldn't be surprising. Only For Our Man got up for second in a Tipperary bumper and has changed stables. He is one to consider with Josh Williamson taking 7lb off his back. Blue Du Neuf represents the 'double green' and is a full-brother to a horse that has won three times over hurdles, so is a debutant to note.
Prediction : 1st Kamikaz Du Plessis 2nd North Moon 3rd Only For Our Man