UK Horse Racing Tips: Downpatrick

HILLHEAD RUNNER has performed well in a few maiden hurdles now and this looks like a nice opportunity to get her head in front. The Mahler mare was runner-up at Bellewstown on her penultimate start and looked set to fill the same position at Wexford last time when crashing out at the final flight. Galileo Springs had some good bumper form last winter and she may improve a bit from her comeback run at Roscommon last month. Atomic Queen is noted too.
Prediction : 1st Hillhead Runner 2nd Galileo Springs 3rd Atomic Queen

CATENA ZAPATA is interesting tried back over hurdles. The Vadamos gelding used up plenty of petrol when making rapid progress from the rear at Galway last time, on the Flat, to lead under half a mile from home, and it was no surprise that he weakened late on. He had won a claimer at Killarney previously in fine style. The consistent Arch Empire has been running well on the Flat and looks a leading contender. Itsalladream is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Catena Zapata 2nd Arch Empire 3rd Itsalladream

A half-brother to a Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner, PARKGARVE can make the breakthrough here. Almost certainly capable of better than he has shown to date, the Ian Donoghue-trained five-year-old was nicely supported prior to unseating at Ballinrobe last time. Given that was only his second start in a handicap, the gelding should be open to more improvement. Tried over a variety of different trips, this intermediate distance on a stiff track could prove his optimum. Freddie Robdal and Wing Back are the dangers.
Prediction : 1st Parkgarve 2nd Freddie Robdal 3rd Wing Back

Having landed her maiden hurdle here last time, DIAMOND TIPP can follow up for John McConnell. A daughter of Diamond Boy, the five-year-old was having her first start over flights in the aforementioned race, so should be open to plenty of improvement. Maxios Prime has to be a serious threat given that the Philip Rothwell-trained four-year-old receives a weight-for-age allowance. Killarney maiden hurdle winner Neon Diamond is another with every chance.
Prediction : 1st Diamond Tipp 2nd Maxios Prime 3rd Neon Diamond

CODED WELDER looks to have been found a nice opportunity to record a first career win. The Paul Mulligan-trained gelding has shaped with plenty of promise in reaching the frame on all three starts over hurdles to date. Runner-up at Tipperary on his penultimate outing, that form received a major boost when the winner followed up in a stronger contest at Galway last month. Bumper scorer William Butler has yet to strike over jumps but has been running well enough to suggest he's a player. Cut The Rope is interesting on his debut for a new yard.
Prediction : 1st Coded Welder 2nd William Butler 3rd Cut The Rope

GEORGIA CELENA put it all together to win at this track last month. Alex Harvey comes in for the ride and his claim offsets the 5lb rise she received from the handicapper. Mickey Cohen has claims on his keeping-on third in a maiden at Kilbeggan, while Fire Coral was a never-nearer third on her last visit to this venue. The Watsons are represented by Jimli's Cave and Benz and both are noted.
Prediction : 1st Georgia Celena 2nd Mickey Cohen 3rd Fire Coral

CROSSBAR GETAWAY switched to Gordon Elliott and ran creditably in second at Tramore in May. That was an improvement on three previous outings and she was strong in the market for that Tramore bumper. Minella Supreme is going the right way for John McConnell after posting a third place at Bellewstown and a runner-up effort at Killarney. He looks to be a big player in this small field. Pointwelltaken is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Crossbar Getaway 2nd Minella Supreme 3rd Pointwelltaken