I’m delighted that we’re able to continue to race under the guidance of Horse Racing Ireland and the Irish government. We’ll all follow their lead and march to their orders.
We need to keep the industry wheel turning and will let those in the know advise us on how best to live our lives in these difficult and challenging circumstances.
Downpatrick on Sunday
I like the look of Barnaviddaun SP for Tommy and David Mullins in the first (13:40).
He’s done everything bar win so far, but I think his day might be here. He’s been very consistent in bumpers and maiden hurdles and this really does look like the ideal opportunity to get off the mark.
The Very Man SP was a good winner a couple of weeks ago and goes again in the 14:10 with the superb Davy Russell on his back. It’s not the most competitive of races, so I expect his fitness and the form of his recent success to carry him to another win here.
The Ulster National (15:10) is always a proper test. I’ve gone through the card and pulled out two I like.
Jimmil 7/1 is the first one, who comes here fit and well following a win six days ago. Sometimes that just helps massively coming in with a head full of confidence.
The other horse I like is the mare from Willie Mullins’ stable, Ifyoucatchmenow 4/1.
She was a winner over 3m4f last time, showing that she absolutely loves a staying trip and she’s got the man of the moment, Paul Townend, in the saddle. She ran in some very good novice chases before that victory and could have slid under the handicapper’s radar.
There’s always an obvious place to start with a Hunters Chase (16:10), and that’s with the jockeys. Jamie Codd is as good as any professional and is worth his weight in gold, although I’m by no means the only one who thinks that.
He rides Complete Sizing SP who has got plenty of ability. I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet and he’s just coming of age. I think he’s got a proper chance in this.
It looks as though Jamie Codd will also be on a short-priced favourite in the last race (16:40) as Ballyadam SP returns following his racecourse debut last month. He’s clearly well thought of, but I don’t think he’ll have it all his own way.
Patrick Mullins heads up to Downpatrick to ride Yousayitbest SP for Henry de Bromhead. This point winner was a very expensive purchase in November. If he’s as talented as his price tag suggests, then he could be class. It’ll be great to watch!
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