Solindian© Photo Healy Racing
Solindian is arguably the most interesting runner as Downpatrick stage another Friday card a fortnight on from the last meeting here.
On that occasion Gordon Elliott, who rarely leaves the County Down venue empty handed, saddled a double, and he will likely have high hopes for Solindian in the I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle.
It can hardly have occurred too often in the past, that a winning Willie Mullins debutant has its second start for Gordon Elliott, but that is what has transpired in the case of Solindian.
The Qatar Racing Limited-owned French-bred won a Kilbeggan bumper for Willie and Patrick Mullins in August, and runner-up then, Decor Irlandais, has since bolted-up in a point-to-point.
By Solon, like the top-class Solwhit, Davy Russell takes the ride on the five-year-old in a nice piece of symmetry, seeing as the champion jockey was aboard for nine of the Charles Byrnes-trained star’s 15 successes.
Solwhit enjoyed his finest hour in the 2013 World Hurdle and it is not difficult to envisage Solindian enjoying the extended two and three-quarter miles of this assignment.
He has only got five rivals to deal with, including his former stable companion Koroleva also upped in distance. He’s No Molly is potentially interesting for Noel Meade and Jonathan Moore as well.
Elliott and Russell have prospects throughout the day, beginning with Adulterated (2.00) and followed on by Holy Motivation (3.05), Silver Star (4.15) and Forrardon Xmoor (5.25).
In the Portman Dentalcare Handicap Hurdle, meanwhile, Shane O’Callaghan bids to ride the second winner of his career on Authorative, for Anthony McCann.
McCann’s runner got O’Callaghan off the mark over course and distance two weeks back and tries again now off a 7Ib higher mark.
Elsewhere Joseph O’Brien fields three runners in the Killultagh Estates Beginners Chase.
Shane Shortall is on Sligo second placer Ballybrowney Jack (first-time cheekpieces), with Davy Russell and Luke Dempsey on stable companions Border Control and Punches Cross respectively.
JP McManus owns Punches Cross and also has Touch Base in the mix.
