Downpatrick preview
Johnny Burke
© Photo Healy Racing
Fresh from booting home a double at Killarney on Friday evening, Johnny Burke heads to Downpatrick for three rides that include recent winner Lucky Pigeon
Aidan Fogarty 's seven-year-old mare contests the Willie Murphy Jewellers, Downpatrick Handicap Hurdle over two miles and seven furlongs and will have the benefit of Burke's 5lb claim.
That negates the 4lb penalty she received for landing a 16-runner Kilbeggan handicap hurdle by four lengths. Fast Exit won over course and distance in June and looks a threat.
Burke and Fogarty also team up with Like The Da in the Al Aasfa Best Dressed Lady Win A Trip To Meydan Races Dubai Handicap Hurdle.
This one looks to be an outsider, though, and will do well to get the better of Tulsa Jack Coldstonesober and Hero De Villeneuve who come here with solid prospects.
Jim Dreaper has booked Burke for Lord Of Isenay in the Al Aasfa 2 Stables Dubai Maiden Hurdle.
The eight-year-old gelding has enjoyed previous trips to the north as he has been placed in all three of his runs at Down Royal. Captain Carleton and Landau appear to be the two to concentrate on in the opening Botanica International Natural Herbal Products Maiden Hurdle as both finished second in their most recent outings.
There are 14 declared for the Paddy Galbraith Memorial Handicap Hurdle but only two of them, Mosman Park and It's All An Act were placed in their last runs.
Mosman Park's second to Cerca Trova earlier in the month here reads well in the context of this race and if handling the quicker ground he should go well.
Tom's Article is on a retrieval mission in the Fran And Maree Murrin Memorial Cup Maiden Hurdle after Gordon Elliott's charge was pulled up when sent off favourite at this track for a maiden hurdle a couple of weeks ago. Better Back Bob who was second in the aforementioned race, and Buster Dan Dan will test him.
A seven-runner bumper concludes the card. Angus Milan was second on debut here for Co Derry trainer Noel Kelly and he has enlisted the help of Nina Carberry today.
However, Young Dillon was sent off favourite in Cork for his first bumper, in which he came home third. He might be the one for Mags Mullins and Katie Walsh.