Carrig Cathal© Photo Healy Racing
Gordon Elliott's Carrig Cathal heads to Downpatrick on Wednesday with a win under his belt and is fancied to follow up in the Win A Meerkat Toy Hurdle.
The five-year-old gelding hacked up by 12 lengths in a Ballinrobe maiden hurdle at the end of May on good ground and similar conditions are forecast in Downpatrick.
Just five horses go to post but he can expect a stiff challenge from the 130-rated Cardinal Palace and Master Of Verse who shed his maiden tag in fine style at Fairyhouse in April.
Elliott has taken this race in three of the last six years. Atlantic Breaker could make it third-time lucky in the Downpatrick Family Fun Day (C&G) Maiden Hurdle.
Mark McNiff 's charge has been runner-up on his last two visits to the northern venue and looks poised for a breakthrough.
After being placed three times in succession, the 106-rated Genesta has a good opportunity to get off the mark in the Probably The Best Family Fun Day Ever Mares Maiden Hurdle. Silverpockets landed a victory in Wexford at the start of the month and can be compeitive off a 5lb higher mark in the Meet Your Friends Here Handicap Hurdle. Emma Beag and Blessed King should dominate the market for the Joe Rea Memorial Maiden Hurdle. The former, in receipt of the mares allowance, ought to go close. Jack Slade was an eye-catcher at Down Royal and duly scored in Bellewstown. He is hard to oppose in the Win A Family Weekend Away Handicap Hurdle. Sweet Shirleen lost out by half a length over course and distance last month but compensation looms in the extended two mile one furlong bumper.
