Elliott and McConnell both travel north in numbers Downpatrick has proved a happy hunting ground for Gordon Elliott and he takes another strong team of six horses to the northern venue this afternoon where the action gets underway at 1.50pm. The Cullentra House raiding party could well land the opening AJC Group Maiden Hurdle with Nonbinding, who filled the runner-up spot at Ballinrobe earlier this month. Wee Willie Nail showed promise on all three outings this spring and returns after a three-month break in the Ulster Carpets Maiden Hurdle (3.00), while Jack Kennedy is also on board Getaway Goldie in the Downpatrick Racecourse Best Dressed Lady Handicap Hurdle (3.35). The six-year-old mare has won three of her four starts this year and reverts back to the smaller obstacles after scoring over fences at Perth just over a fortnight ago. John McConnell is another that rarely leaves Downpatrick empty-handed and the Stamullen trainer, who has saddled seven winners in the past 12 days, is also well represented. McConnell, who sends out an amazing 17 runners at three different meetings today (Cartmel, Downpatrick and Roscommon), will be hopeful of adding to his tally at Downpatrick. Happaugue went close at Bellewstown last week and has strong claims under Brian Hayes in the Kingdom Healthcare Handicap Hurdle (2.25), while the Kieren Buckley-ridden pair Eco Pete (3.00) and Chinx Of Light (4.10) will also have their supporters. The going at Downpatrick is currently described as good, good to yielding in places, following watering and the there is a dry forecast. Roscommon hosts a Flat evening card with the first set to commence at 4.20pm, and the jockeys championship battle between Colin Keane and Bill Lee continues with the latter holding a slim lead (71-70). Keane has the stronger book of rides this evening with six mounts including Tax For Max who goes head-to-head with the Lee-ridden Once Upon A River in the Lecarrow Race (6.30). The going at the mid-western venue is good with selective watering this morning.
