As De Pique (right) pictured on his way to victory at Punchestown on his last start© Photo Healy Racing
As De Pique has been a revelation this season and sneaks in off bottom weight in the J For Jaguar Handicap Chase at Downpatrick on Sunday.
The 10-year-old returned after an absence of almost 14 months to be a highly-promising second at Punchestown in May. He duly followed that up with victories in handicap chases at Down Royal and Punchestown under Brien Kane.
Gavin Cromwell 's charge has gone up 9lb but that may not stop him in the current mood. Previous Downpatrick winners Fort Smith and Finea are dangerous opponents.
Gordon Elliott very rarely leaves Downpatrick without a winner and his Moonmeister will be popular in the V Is For Vintage Show Maiden Hurdle. This is his debut over jumps after bagging five wins on the Flat. Annie Alainn was noted finishing well for sixth in Limerick last Saturday evening. She has won at this track before and appeals in the extended two-and-a-quarter-mile Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Mares Handicap Hurdle. Broughtons Bandit was third for Elliott just over a week ago here and will be prominent in the betting for the Sunday In Summer Handicap Hurdle, as will Mystic Princess who won well at Sligo. Haddington Road was impressive when winning a maiden hurdle at this track earlier in the month. He bids to supplement his winnings in the East Down Beginners Chase. Rendezvous Peak makes his debut for Elliott having moved from Lucy Wadham's stable in Newmarket. El Grande jumped well when winning at this venue on his last appearance so has to be on the shortlist for the handicap chase over two miles and seven furlongs.
Plenty of unexposed sorts contest an interesting bumper. Catch A Lucky Star ran a blinder at 50-1 when second at Down Royal and, if handling the quicker ground, he should be thereabouts.
