Race 1: The Mullen Family Confined Hunt Winners
The Marshall Watson-trained duo of Celtic Thunder and HE KNOWS MY NAME are the two previous winners in the race, with the latter entering the race in good form having got off the mark at Moira in December. The nine-year-old then ran a very creditable race to finish third behind a smart mare in Longhouse Music in Killeagh last month, and this looks a winnable opportunity for her. Fellow mare, Drumconnor Girl, heads into this race on the back of a career best at Tyrella recently and is clearly in good form.
Race 2: Markethill Livestock and Farm Sales 5yo Geldings Maiden
BALLYART put in a career best when chasing home Hotel Du Nord at Kirkistown recently, and it will not take much further improvement to get his head in front here for the Colin McKeever and Wilson Dennison team. The less experienced Hadmeathello finished just behind recent Oldtown victor King Of The Sharks on his debut at Nenagh, and with that form having been franked, he would look the serious danger here.
Race 3: Donnelly Bros, Dungannon 5yo Mares Maiden
Drumconnor Girl and Alices Star both have solid placed form to their names, but it may be worth looking at some of the newcomers in this race, such as the Beneficial mare JASPER BEAR. Bred by Alistair Corrigan, whose colours were carried by the ill-fated hunter chaser You Must Know Me, this mare is a half-sister to Audacious Plan who won the Durham National in November. She has the pedigree to suggest a big run can be expected first time out.
Race 4: Armagh Construction Ltd Open
Marinero and MORNING ASSEMBLY both go in search of last minute Cheltenham Foxhunters qualification here, and with alternative opportunities for both elsewhere this weekend, they will likely not have to take each other on. Whichever of the two does run here will be the warm favourite. Vinnie Luck ran a big race on his open debut to chase home Morning Assembly, whilst Clondaw Frisby and Adamstown are other consistent performers.
Race 5: WHR Accountants Winners Of Two
THUNDEROSA had the misfortune of bumping into an above average performer in this division at Oldtown earlier in the month, but he gained plenty of credit for the performance which he produced on that occasion and can get his head back in front here. Portrush victor Manetti was six lengths in arrears of the selections stable companion Captain CJ on his reappearance in October and he is respected here, as is the returning Isnt She Lovely, a two-time point’s winner.
Race 6: Philip White Tyres 6yo Geldings Maiden
The luckless COSMIC FLIGHT appeared booked for victory when coming down at the final fence at Moira before Christmas, and he once again failed to complete at Kirkistown on his first start of the calendar year at Kirkistown a fortnight ago. With a clean round of jumping, he can gain an overdue maiden success. Stable companion Derryhale had similar misfortune at the final fence, coming to grief when in front on his latest outing and he is another deserving of compensation here.
