We make the trip up north today with 5 runners in Downpatrick.

Our first runner of the day is SMOOTH PLAYER in the Joe Rea Memorial Maiden Hurdle. He has been knocking on the door on his last 3 starts over hurdles and this looks a good opportunity to get his head in front today. Rob James will be taking the ride and claiming a valuable 7lb. GAYE WINNIE is 2nd reserve.

SET POINT takes his chances in the Tote Always SP Or Better Handicap Hurdle. He ran a great race to finish 4th on his handicap debut and should appreciate the step up in trip to 2m2f here today. Ben Harvey takes the ride and claims 5lb.

We saddle two runners in the Remembering Caughoo Beginners Chase. THEMANINTHEBOOTS was well beaten on his sole chase start in Fairyhouse back in January but today’s contest looks a much better opportunity for him. He wears first time cheekpieces and should appreciate the better ground and step up in trip. Keith Donoghue is in the saddle. GOLDEN NUGGET makes her debut over fences here today. She has yet to finish in the placings in any of her career starts but as the only 4yo filly in the race she carries a nice low weight of 10st5lb and we’re hoping for a nice clean round of jumping from her. Ricky Doyle takes the ride.

Our final runner of the day is THE WALLPARK in the Frank & Brian Fitzsimmons Memorial Flat Race. This will be his first start for the yard and new connections since joining us from Vincent Ward. He has some decent form to him name, including third behind Down Memory Lane last time out, and we are hoping he does the business here today under Harry Swan.