UK Horse Racing Tips: Downpatrick

EURO AGENT looks to have been found a nice opportunity to shed his maiden tag. Runner-up on his previous two visits to this track, the Gordon Elliott-trained gelding again ran a solid race when third at Gowran Park last week. With an official rating of 105 and the benefit of previous experience, he looks the one to beat. Santa Paula, who also boasts placed form over hurdles at this track, could provide the main threat. Although she struggled at Ballinrobe last time, her previous runs would give the six-year-old decent claims. Twice placed in bumpers, the Gavin Cromwell-trained Orderly Conduct has to be respected on his hurdling debut.
Prediction : 1st Euro Agent 2nd Santa Paula 3rd Orderly Conduct

Off the mark here last month, LYGON LAD can follow up. A 10-race maiden going into the contest, the Gordon Elliott-trained gelding seemed to appreciate the demands of this unique track as he stayed on best to open his account. Despite being raised 4lb for that maiden hurdle win, the six-year-old remains fairly treated reverting to handicap company. Facile Ocean had been in good form prior to finishing fourth at Kilbeggan and, on the balance of his previous form, the Ciaran Murphy-trained gelding shouldn't be far away. A three-time winner on the Flat, Papagei shaped with promise at Navan over flights and could be open to further improvement.
Prediction : 1st Lygon Lad 2nd Facile Ocean 3rd Papagei

Despite coming into this contest as a 17-race maiden, CENTAQ appears to hold decent claims. Runner-up here last month, the Dermot McLoughlin-trained gelding wouldn't need to improve a lot to finally register a first career win. Alix Balfe, who was on board last time, retains the ride on this occasion. Winner of that aforementioned race, Invincible Oscar rates the main danger. Raised 6lb, the bulk of that is taken off by his very capable claimer. Pahlavi is a previous track-and-trip winner who shaped as though on the way back when a staying-on fourth at the Listowel Festival.
Prediction : 1st Centaq 2nd Invincible Oscar 3rd Pahlavi

Bumper winner LITTLE GINGER can gain a first victory over jumps. Runner-up in a maiden hurdle at this track last time, the James Fahey-trained gelding should appreciate stepping up in trip. With only the two previous runs over flights, the son of Crystal Ocean is open to plenty of improvement and arguably sets the standard in a weak affair. Young Doran would hold definite claims on his first two outings over jumps, but has questions to answer having finished completely tailed off in a Listowel bumper last month. He will need the first-time cheekpieces to make a huge impact. Fuusland looks best of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Little Ginger 2nd Young Doran 3rd Fuusland

Having run his best race to date when third here last month, YOUKNOWME can make the breakthrough. Staying on late to make the frame, the Philip Rothwell-trained gelding should appreciate stepping back up in trip. C&D winner Jimli's Cave has also been placed here on a couple of occasions and Daniel King looks a significant booking on the locally-trained gelding. Hob's Angel is another with place claims at the very least. Trainer James Barcoe was among the winners at the weekend and this 10-year-old mare has run some decent races in defeat since opening her account at Clonmel in May.
Prediction : 1st Youknowme 2nd Jimlis Cave 3rd Hobs Angel

Jack Kennedy looks a significant booking on the Paul Traynor-trained ASTLEY. Third in a handicap chase at Gowran Park last weekend, the gelding reverts to a beginners chase with the champion jockey in the saddle. Given that Kennedy appears to have deserted the Gordon Elliott-trained Down Around in favour of the selection, the hint should be taken. A three-time winner over hurdles, Down Around still has to be respected on only his second start over fences. A faller three out at Sligo recently, Kennedy was on board on that occasion. Point-to-point winner Ring Of Kerry should be noted too.
Prediction : 1st Astley 2nd Down Around 3rd Ring Of Kerry

Recent Sligo winner MINI GETAWAY can follow up for trainer Martin Lynch. Third at Wexford on her previous outing, the nine-year-old is thriving at present and has to be followed. A former point-to-point scorer, she also ran well on her only previous visit to this track, so everything looks in place for another big performance. Admirable veteran Fr Gilligansvoyge has to be respected at a venue where he is a previous C&D winner. Although well beaten on his last two runs, he had been in fine form earlier in the year. Lecale's Diamond is another worthy of consideration.
Prediction : 1st Mini Getaway 2nd Fr Gilligansvoyge 3rd Lecales Diamond