15:20 Downpatrick

Friday 11 October 2024

All14:1514:5015:2015:5516:3017:0517:35

Pro Solar NI, Sam Downey Memorial Handicap Hurdle (80-102)

Off time: 15:20 | Winning time: 4m 15.00s

Portnacoo²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: Darragh O'Keeffe| T: H Smyth| OR: 102| C

9/4

Upwardly mobile from a low base in recent weeks, following up his victory over 22f here with another comfortable success over 17.8f back here 3 weeks ago. Of interest again in hat-trick bid despite career-high mark to contend with.

Form: 79-6511

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Breagagh^p⁴³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Paddy Hanlon⁽⁷⁾| T: S Millar| OR: 93

9/2

Remains a maiden after 20 NH runs but he was a good second when last seen in this sphere at Wexford (17.2f) in May. Entitled to be sharper for a spin on the Flat at Navan (14f) in August and he's fancied to be thereabouts.

Form: 2PP3-52

Sandyman^t⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-5| J: Alex Harvey⁽⁵⁾| T: J C McConnell| OR: 93

7/2

Back on track with a tongue strap refitted when respectable fifth of 14 in handicap hurdle (9/1) at Gowran (16f, good to soft) 7 days ago. Has caught the eye on occasions in this sphere and one to note, particularly if strong in the betting.

Form: 08/4-565

Three Platoon^t,v¹⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Ross Chapman| T: R Menzies| OR: 90

15/2

Showed ability over hurdles in 2022 and he comes here in rude health from the Flat, comfortably landing back-to-back Newcastle handicaps (10.2f) in recent weeks. Intriguing contender from the Rebecca Menzies yard. Visor replaces blinkers.

Form: 34347/P-

Nakassama¹¹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: J S McGarvey| T: N C Kelly| OR: 87

50/1

Lightly-raced maiden. 33/1, thirteenth of 16 in handicap hurdle at Roscommon (15.6f, soft) 11 days ago, tailed off before 4 out. Others arrive with much more pressing claims.

Form: 9-0080

Chancer Dancer^p,t⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 10-6| J: Mr M E McCrory⁽⁷⁾| T: N C Kelly| OR: 80

5/1

Remains a maiden after 16 NH runs. Blinkered for 1st time, below form seventh of 12 in handicap hurdle (5/1) at Fairyhouse (16f, good) 4 days ago. Cheekpieces back on.

Form: 3-60747

Fire Coral^t¹¹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-6| J: Philip Donovan⁽⁵⁾| T: C W J Farrell| OR: 80

13/2

Below form eighth of 15 in handicap hurdle at Roscommon (20.3f, soft, 17/2) 11 days ago, weakening when headed approaching 3 out. Drop in trip could help but others hold more compelling claims.

Form: 9U4748

Non-Runners

Bringsty²¹

Weight: 10-13| Age: 6

T: N C Kelly J: Simon Torrens

Forecasts

Portnacoo (9/4), Sandyman (7/2), Breagagh (9/2), Chancer Dancer (5/1), Fire Coral (13/2), Three Platoon (15/2), Bringsty (16/1), Nakassama (50/1)

PORTNACOO arrives here on an upward curve following back-to-back course handicaps in recent months and he's narrowly selected to defy the handicapper again and complete the hat-trick. Sandyman leaves the impression he has a bigger effort in his locker and is feared, along with Reebecca Menzies' Three Platoon, who returns to hurdling following a successful stint on the Flat of late.