Today we head up to Downpatrick with 7 runners for a competitive jumps card.

We kick things off with two runners in the maiden hurdle over 2m1f. PAY THE TAB and YEATS STAR. Pay the tab is having his first start on the track. This is a lovely gelding from the immediate family of the very good hurdler Iktitaf. Hopefully he can keep up the family’s good name with Jordan Gainford in the saddle. Yeats Star has been hitting the crossbar on a few occasions but his experience should shine through here with Jack Kennedy in the saddle.

NEW YEAR HONOURS is now a non runner in the novice handicap hurdle

BE MY HERO is also a non runner in the Racing TV handicap hurdle.

It looks like strong competition for the INH stallion owners ebf maiden hurdle over 2m5f where we have KANSAS CITY STAR. This will be the gelding’s first start of the season and the small field might suit him. Most of these runners are exposed but returning from their holidays or layoffs. Jack Kennedy has been booked to ride and hopefully the pair can excel.

Next up is another handicap hurdle for horses rated 80-95, where we have SIGNORA DI MILANO. She is joint top weight here but neither of us are claiming. She should be in good order for this and we have Jack Kennedy booked to ride.

Another pair goes forward for the Beginners chase over 2m3f, ZETTABYTE and JENNY FLEX. Zettabyte has been a little bit disappointing over hurdles but now has his first run over fences. He has run well over fences in point to points in the past so maybe this switch will bring out the best in him, Jordan Gainford has been booked to ride. Jenny Flex will have first time cheekpieces for her third start over fences. This mare has run well on the last two starts and will have Jack Kennedy in the saddle.

Finally in the last race of the day, we have REDDYS ISLAND in a handicap chase. This mare is returning after over a year off the track and will probably need the run. Jordan Gainford has been booked to ride.