This Weekend's Irish National Hunt Tips at Downpatrick

This horse’s form has been rapidly on the up since going handicapping. Winning first at Down Royal before running a good race in 2nd at Ballinrobe. He's gone up 9lbs for those two runs, but to me at least, he's still on a mark he can be competitive off of and with a clear round he's sure to go close for his in form yard.

This 15-race maiden won’t be on the top of everyone's list, far from it, but he ran a cracker last time at Limerick when beaten a nose right on the line. He was ridden from the front that day, which is a favourable tactic around here. He's gone up 3lbs for that run, but Philip Rothwell has chosen to claim 7lbs on this occasion and he should be primed for the day. I think he’s the one to beat.

Although this horse’s best days are behind him at the age of 11, he has shown he retains plenty ability on recent starts. His run at Naas in December is a decent piece of form, when finishing 4th, beaten by just four and a half lengths. He’s coming here off a break so we are taking it on trust that connections will have him fit enough to do himself justice, but he will be a big price and I'm more than willing to have a few quid on him eachway and keep everything crossed he will run his race. If he does, he won't be far away.