Irish Horseracing Betting: Wednesday at Downpatrick

005 Irish Racing / John McDermott / 24 September 2008 / Leave a Comment

John McDermott marks your card as racing returns to the North-East...

The opening event, theCoca Cola Maiden Hurdle is a pretty mundane affair but Milo De Courcey looks the answer, and at [8.2], is pretty good value. He is longer in the tooth than the others but the 22 furlongs trip seems to suit him and he has been finding the frame recently. He has had a break since falling at the last at Limerick when in contention, and Kinsale based trainer Ruaidhri Tierney wouldn't be travelling the length of the country unless he thought there was prize money to be gained.

Advice: Milo De Courcey to win

The Hedge and Knockgloss are the two to beat in the Cuisine De France Handicap Hurdle, with preference going to The Hedge due to his second here at Downpatrick last time out. Lucky At Last was a neck behind The Hedge in that race and he has won twice on the trot since then so the form looks solid. He currently trades at [4.9] which is third in the market but is likely to shorten before the off.

Advice: The Hedge to win

Teach Nua has only been out of the frame once in seven outings this season and goes on any type of ground. A decent third at Tramore shows he will handle the undulating Downpatrick track and at [5.1] for a win and almost even money for the place, it's worth backing him in both markets for the Tayto Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Handicap. He was less than two lengths behind Sweet Kiln at Tramore and a similar performance should see him clear at the finish.

Advice: Teach Nua to win and place

It isn't the most original selection but Imperial Belle has an outstanding chance of landing a quick fire double having won over a similar trip at Balinrobe two days ago. The Imperial Ballet filly will have to carry a five pound penalty but should still have enough in hand to land the Mace Champion Apprentice Handicap. Joanna Morgan's team have been in good form so the [2.8] on offer for Imperial Belle looks the nap bet of the evening.

Advice: Imperial Belle to win

December Sun separated Sizing Africa and Killenaule Boy in a beginners chase at Tramore two weeks ago, and is taken to follow up that sound performance with a win in the Rhm Bakeries Beginners Chase. He has good form at Downpatrick having won over hurdles here in December, and jockey Tom Doyle will be looking to follow up from a successful Listowel festival where he had two winners. Paul Carberry taking the mount on Pepperwood is interesting and any moves in the market close to the off should be noted.

Advice: December Sun to win

Robertstown Rover is the selection in the Britvic Handicap Chase but this isn't a race to wade in on. The daughter of Arc winner Carroll House is a consistent type and despite it being her first run since April, the [6.0] on offer makes her worth a small punt. Dusty Sheehy's Artic Island was second here in a hunters chase at Christmas and if she is any price in the place market, then throw a few bob on her.

Advice: Robertstown Rover to win, Artic Island to place

Christy Roche's Ah Ya Boy Ya is taken to get off the mark over fences at the first attempt. He was second twice over hurdles at the Galway festival in better company than this and his canny trainer is sure to have him well schooled in order to land the Denny E.b.f. Beginners Chase. The trip and ground shouldn't pose any problems as he has acted at a similar distance and on yielding ground at Galway. The [5.1] currently on offer looks a bit short so hang on till race time to see if better becomes available.

Advice: Ah Ya Boy Ya to win