Jumps/Flat action at home plus juvenile interest at Newmarket Gordon Elliott brings a strong team north to Downpatrick this afternoon where a seven-race jumps card gets underway at 1.57. The Cullentra House trainer could well have a favourites chance in five of the seven races with General Maximus around evens to get the ball rolling in the opening Racing TV Maiden Hurdle. Recent Navan winner Nonbinding will bid to follow up in the McGrady Financial Services Rated Novice Hurdle at 2.32 while elsewhere Daisy Dufresne, Sam’s Choice and Walking The Walk will all hold high hopes for the powerful Elliott yard. Money Heist completed a double for Gavin Cromwell at Galway on Tuesday and the Imperial Monarch gelding looks set to go off at odds-on for a quick follow up in the Saint Patricks Coast Handicap Hurdle (4.17). Kieren Buckley’s 5lb claim will help alleviate the 7lb penalty for that Galway win, while the Cromwell team also have a live contender with Aprils Joy in the C Russell Auto Sales Beginners Chase (4.50). The going is currently yielding following 8mm of rain since declarations. There is the possibility of a further 4mm with showers forecast. Racing also takes place under the lights at Dundalk this evening where an eight-race card commences at 5pm. The focus is on future stars at Newmarket this afternoon with Irish interest in all three juvenile Stakes races. The Aidan O’Brien-trained Library faces seven rivals in the Group 1 bet365 Fillies Mile at 3.35 while earlier on the card in the Cornwallis Stakes (1.50), Michael O’Callaghan runs Crispy Cat and Donnacha O’Brien is represented by Wodao. Michael Grassick’s impressive Curragh winner Small Oasis bids to follow up in the Oh So Sharp Stakes at 2.25.
