Today’s action is at Downpatrick and Dundalk, where racing has been put back by an hour to enable jockeys (and many others) to attend the funeral of the legendary Pat Smullen, which will take place in his beloved Rhode in County Offaly at 2pm.
The Michael O’Callaghan-trained Coulthard, third to New Treasure in the Group 3 Round Tower Stakes at the Curragh and beaten a half-length by Lipizzaner at Navan last time, boats a rating of 98 and sets a high standard in the Irish EBF Median Sires Series 2-Y-0 Maiden.
Later, Ballydoyle colt Order Of Australia, last seen when unplaced in the French Derby, will start favourite for the On Instagram @dundalk-stadium Race but might not cope with Paddy Twomey’s progressive Roscommon and Killarney winner Bolivar.
As usual, Gordon Elliott holds a strong hand on Downpatrick’s jumps card.
The Sliding Rock, a winner at Wexford before chasing home Getaway Gorgeous in Punchestown, should relish the step-up in trip and will be tough to better in the Randox Health Rated Novice Hurdle.
Peter O’Hehir's tips for Downpatrick
1.00. Tullybeg
1.30. Kilmurry
2.00. Fancy Foundations
2.35. The Sliding Rock
3.10. Get Smart
3.45. Famous Day
4.20. Off Your Rocco
Peter O’Hehir's tips for Dundalk
5.30. Swiss Army Officer
6.00. Irish Ambassador
6.30. Silk Cravat
7.00. Shawaf
7.30. Coulthard (Nap)
8.00. Liquid Luck
8.30. Bolivar
9.00. Day Dreamin’
