The winter is starting to roll in and we start with a day meeting in Downpatrick where our first runner is LYGON LAD. This horse ran a cracker the last day and should have improved for his two runs since a lay off. Jack Kennedy is also back in action and booked to ride.

DAIRY FORCE has 5lbs claimer James Smith in the saddle, the conditions of this might not be the most ideal and hopefully he can go well.

At the top of the weights for the MB McGrady and Co Chartered handicap hurdle we have TROPICAL TWIST. She was harshly penalized for her win two starts ago and is working back from that. Paddy Cleary has been booked to ride and claims 7lbs.

A brief break before we have BROTHER WALFRID and HOLY JOE compete in the Kildress Plumbing rated novice hurdle over 2m5f. Brother Walfrid looks to be on an upward curve and his second the last day should place him very well here even though he is top weight under Jack Kennedy. Holy Joe has enjoyed a fruitful summer with two wins coming in the UK. This may prove a little more difficult but he has a first time hood and Sam Ewing in the saddle.

Our final runner in Downpatrick is KING GRIS in the Beginners Chase over 2m1f. He will have first time cheekpieces on for his second start over fences. He ran with credit on chase debut and has the room to improve with Sam Ewing booked to ride.

Over in Dundalk we have just the one runner in the apprentice handicap over 1m4f. DIRECT APPROACH returns from a lay off and this is an ideal starting point. He was placed on his last run on the flat but that was a considerable time ago. Conor Cusack has been booked to ride and claims 7lbs.