14:30 Downpatrick

Saturday 15 June 2019

All14:3015:0515:4016:1516:5017:2517:55

Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle

Off time: 14:30 | Winning time: 4m 44.00s

Ballydunblaze¹²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott

12/1

Won on debut in a Navan bumper in September, fifth of 17 beaten 26L on hurdling introduction when weakening quickly after three out. Improved performance would not surprise.

Form: 19-5

Amor Verdadero¹⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 10-13| J: D N Russell| T: G Elliott

3/1

Solid and consistent sort in a couple of starts last month finishing runner-up on both occasions. Went very close on latest start and a repeat effort would herald another bold bid.

Form: 79P-422

Assertive Lady³⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 10-13| J: P D Kennedy| T: Mrs J Harrington

14/1

Generally disappointing in a couple of starts under rules including on hurdling debut at Cork over 2m3f last month. On balance, probably has something to find in this contest.

Form: FP5-5

Belanbrooke

Age: 7| Weight: 10-13| J: D J Hickey⁽⁷⁾| T: J P Ryan

33/1

Daughter of Stowaway out of a Presenting mare. Dam unraced. Market likely to reveal expectations on debut for a yard who produced a winner over the larger obstacles on Wednesday.

Form:

Castle Canny

Age: 5| Weight: 10-13| J: Danny Mullins| T: B R Hamilton

25/1

By Court Cave out of a Lando mare. Dam unraced. Closely related to winners, Earls Fort and Dasmyhoss. Likely to come on for this debut run here.

Form:

Holycross Lito^t¹³

Age: 9| Weight: 10-13| J: Mr N McParlan⁽⁵⁾| T: S McParlan

9/2

Produced a career best when finishing fourth of eight beaten 2½L in a Killarney mares hurdle earlier this month. Repeat of that effort should see her in the hunt for more prize money.

Form: 1335/8-4

Kates Jewel²⁴⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 10-13| J: I J McCarthy| T: J P Fahey

66/1

Oscar filly out of a Gildoran mare. Half-sister to the likes of Big Zeb and Rock On Ruby. detached and tailed off in a couple of bumper and on maiden hurdle debut at Fairyhouse when last seen in October. Others preferred.

Form: 00-

Myladyrose¹⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 10-13| J: M F Mooney| T: Mrs A Mooney

66/1

Modest form in two point-to-point prior to a number of heavy maiden hurdle defeats since February. Out of sorts recently and impossible to fancy against these rivals.

Form: 4P67-6P

Villa Moura³⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 10-13| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: H De Bromhead

4/1

Well held in a couple of career maiden hurdle starts finishing in midfield on each occasion. Will need to raise overall profile to play a role.

Form: 33285-5

Walking In Memphis⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 10-13| J: J M Moore| T: G P Cromwell| OR: 99

9/4

Five-race maiden who has been running well in defeat of late at Downpatrick and Clonmel earlier this month. Capable of a big run if in the mood.

Form: 8U00-25

Forecasts

Walking In Memphis (9/4), Amor Verdadero (3/1), Villa Moura (4/1), Holycross Lito (9/2), Ballydunblaze (12/1), Assertive Lady (14/1), Castle Canny (25/1), Belanbrooke (33/1), Myladyrose (66/1), Kates Jewel (66/1)

The Gordon Elliott-trained, AMOR VERDADERO can build on a couple of solid starts last month and get off the mark for connections at the fourth time of asking in the opener. Walking In Memphis ran well here last month finishing second of eight and is better than her last run at Clonmel suggests fir the Gavin Cromwell yard. Holycross Lito, daughter of Beneficial and Villa Moura appear capable of hitting the frame.