Downpatrick stages an eight race card on Wednesday, where the first is due off at 12.00 pm.
The most valuable event on the card is the €13,000 INH Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle. The race sees the seasonal reappearance of Arthur Moore's Jaquouille. The selection was a fair performer last season but failed to land a maiden, although he was rated 102.
A reproduction of his latest start, when second at Fairyhouse in April may be good enough to land this event.
The hunters' chase has been divided with the first division looking far more competitive. Ted Wallsh's Never Compromise was a welcome addition to hunt racing having previously attained a chase rating of 101.
Although still a maiden on the track, the son of Glacial Storm has won his last two point-to-point starts. Liz Doyle's dependable gelding Sober Performance is likely to provide him with most to worry about.
The concluding bumper looks a tricky contest. A few top yards are producing first-time out runners, although it may be safer to side with horses with previous placed form here.
Edward O'Grady's Monarch Pass is a hopeful choice although his three latest hurdling efforts were very poor. Prior to that he did finish third in a bumper and jockey Philip Fenton is a notable booking.
Filed by James McMahon
