16:50 Downpatrick
Saturday 17 June 2017
All14:0014:3015:0515:4016:1516:5017:25
East Down Hunt Club Handicap Hurdle (80-95)
- 4YO plus  |  2m 1f 65y  |  Good  |  14 Runners  |  Turf  |   Weighed In
- Off time: 16:50Â Â |Â Â Winning time: 4m 16.00s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Improved on latest run at Perth when holding every chance of victory in the straight but was run out of it late in the day. This is arguably less competitive and if repeating that run, would hold a solid chance today.
Finished well beaten on first start in a handicap at Down Royal in May and although taking a step down the grading ladder here, still has too much to prove.
Chase winner here at Downpatrick last season but not seen out since finishing firth at Fairyhouse last December and likely to need this after such an absence.
Looks to be refinding some form if his latest two efforts are anything to go by, but still winless after 14 starts and having been nudged up a couple of pounds after that latest run, others are preferred.
Trip and ground both fine and turned in best effort for a while when second at Roscommon last time out. On a fair mark and should be approaching peak fitness after a break, so looks a major player.
A tale of steady improvement on his last three starts and being only four, has room for plenty more. Seemed not to quite get home against the improving Station Closed last time and this drop back in trip may suit, so not discounted.
No win in 19 starts and not seen out since February when his form had taken a turn for the worse. Needs the break to have freshened him up but best form, as it is, arguably on softer anyway.
Didn't really show enough on recent comeback run after a 16 month absence to suggest he's retained the ability he showed to win a handicap hurdle back in 2015. Too much to prove at present.
Ran well on first start for this yard over C&D in March 2016, and that came after an absence, so can go well fresh, although disappointing on only other start. Comes with plenty of risks, and as likely to blow out as win, but not totally discounted.
Would hold some hope on his fourth to the improving Andratx here in March but a tale of woe since then and connections go for the cheekpieces now. Makes little appeal at present.
Beaten a fair way all starts to date and did little better for the step into handicaps last time. Young enough to improve but she'll have to.
Looked regressive when last seen out and having not run since last December is likely to need the run as well. Looks an unlikely winner.
Tailed off most starts and never in the hunt at Punchestown on latest start. Makes little appeal.
Refound some form in a big way when a close up fourth to Sharjah at Tramore latest start and this slight step up in trip will help. Likes quick ground and would hold a chance if getting in the race.
Non-Runners
4
Kilkeaskins First29
Weight: 11-6|Â Â Age: 6
T: J P Dempsey  J: J S McGarvey
NR
15
Sweet Little Lies58
Weight: 10-11|Â Â Age: 6
T: J Feane  J: A Ring
NR
Forecasts
Shek O Lad (11/4), Ashjan (7/2), Kilkeaskins First (5/1), Sports Barrow (11/2), Ardview Boy (6/1), Island Villa (10/1), Queen Khaleesi (14/1), Safe Home (14/1), Better Back Bob (16/1), Up The Town (16/1), Captains And Kings (16/1), Clonleney (20/1), Outofcologne (20/1), Sweet Little Lies (20/1), Canova (25/1), Olympic Queen (50/1)
Not many of these come here in great form so it looks a decent chance for SHEK O LAD to come out on top. He ran well earlier in the week and connections are getting him out quickly from the same handicap mark here. He can get the better of Ardview Boy, who may have to settle for second best again, and top weight Sports Barrow who finds himself in calmer waters here. Island Villa would be of interest if getting to take his chance.
- Shek O Lad
- Ardview Boy
- Sports Barrow
Prize Money
1st: €6,160.002nd: €1,909.003rd: €910.004th: €410.005th: €160.00
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