Michael Halford is the trainer to follow when domestic racing interest focuses on Down Royal on Friday evening. The Curragh handler sends four horses on the long journey north and all look to have decent chances.
The most obvious is Bev Who in the seven furlong maiden. She was very consistent last season and produced another fine effort when half a length second to Paquita at Gowran Park last month over this trip.
Northern Mill has a leading chance in the mare's novice hurdle having filled the runner-up spot on her two attempts over timber last year. Halford's other two runners are in each division of the Claimsafe Handicap. Lady Marian ran well to finish in mid-division when missing the break in a 0-75 contest at the Curragh last time, while St Rose Of Lima, a relatively unexposed three-year-old, contests the weaker second division.
Recent winners Didnthearyea and Astronomer clash in the handicap hurdle, but both may have to play second fiddle to Cochis Run. He finished twenty lengths clear of the remainder when a close second at Tralee earlier this month.
Filed by Shane Murray
