Menzies brings strong raiding party to Downpatrick There are two domestic meetings today with jumping at Downpatrick and the regular Friday evening Flat action under the lights at Dundalk. Paul Townend and Jack Kennedy both travel north to Downpatrick for their powerful yards while Rebecca Menzies adds further spice with runners in most of the seven races and the Sedgefield trainer also sponsors the concluding 3m handicap chase in tribute to her long-standing owner John Wade. Ross Chapman rides all five of Menzies’ raiding party with Three Platoon bidding for a hat-trick in the 2m1f handicap hurdle (3.20), while You Some Girl (13/2 to 3/1 in the 4.30) and Boomslang (8/1 to 7/2 in the 5.05) have also attracted support. The going at Downpatrick is currently good to yielding on both the hurdle and chase tracks with a mainly dry forecast and the first race goes to post at 2.15. There is also a seven-race card at Dundalk commencing at 5.25. The battle for the apprentice championship looks set to run right up to the end of the season and main contenders James Ryan, Adam Caffrey and Wayne Hassett are all in action here seeking vital winners. Ryan probably has the better opportunities this evening with Pier Pressure (7.00) and Areana (7.30).
