Through The Card: Downpatrick, Sunday 22 March

13:40 - ALL ABOUT JOE (7) has the best form in this field, and should be able to open his account in a race lacking depth. He has run well behind some potentially smart types the last twice, particularly when beaten six lengths in second at Thurles earlier this month. All About Joe wasn't unduly punished that day over a much longer trip and is expected to prove a tough nut to crack back in trip.

14:10 - Gordon Elliott has a good record at Thurles, and in this race also, but of his three runners, it is THE VERY MAN (6) who makes the most appeal. He cost top connections £210,000 after winning his sole start in points, and made a winning debut under Rules in a bumper at Navan two years ago. It is therefore a little disappointing that he took so long to open his account over hurdles, but he is the type to go on progressing for a while now having got his head in front.

14:40 - Several of these are open to improvement, but it is SEVERUS ALEXANDER (13) who tops the shortlist. He left previous efforts in this sphere well behind on handicap/yard debut for Gavin Cromwell, keeping on having been forced to switch late on, leaving the impression he'd be suited by this longer trip. On his Flat form, he is well handicapped, and is likely to improve again, so looks a leading contender. Kilmurry is threatening to come good soon so warrants plenty of respect, ahead of the selection's stablemate Bread And Butter and Hell On Earth.

15:10 - The Ulster National is Downpatrick's most prestigious race, and it has been won by Gordon Elliott twice in recent years. There could be more success to come as well in the shape of ITS ALL GUESSWORK (8) who has seemingly been campaigned with a big pot in mind. He remains lightly raced over fences, and a couple of recent spins over hurdles should have put him spot on for this, so everything looks set for a big run. Stablemate Cheb de Kerviniou, Ifyoucatchmenow and veteran Out Sam head up the dangers.

15:40 - THE TRIGGER (11) hasn't won for nearly two years, but ran his best race for a while when third at Musselburgh last month in a race that is working out well. He proved on that occasion that he is not a lost cause, and is up to winning races from a mark like this, so is chanced to back that up in what doesn't look as strong of a race.

16:10 - This race revolves around HEYDOUR (7) who made a winning start in points last month, and looks about the best of these based on his form under Rules for Mick Channon last season. It will be interesting to see how he fares in the market on his return for a new stable. On The Sod is three from three in points and has to be respected on his first crack at one of these.

16:40 - Hard to get past BALLYADAM (2) who was backed as though defeat was out of the question when finishing third on Rules debut in a bumper at Navan last month. He had been well backed for the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival beforehand, so clearly has a tall reputation at home, and a race of this nature should prove a formality.