Killiney Court will bid for further Downpatrick honours© Photo Healy Racing
Killiney Court will bid to maintain his unbeaten record at Downpatrick when he lines-up in the feature this afternoon, the Molson Corrs Rated Hurdle.
The Henry de Bromhead-trained 10-year-old is three from three at the northern venue, with his most recent success coming on his penultimate start in June.
He was since a disappointing fifth when tried over fences at Tipperary, but reverts back to flights now with capable claimer Hugh Morgan again taking a valuable 7lb off.
Daniel Holden also takes 7lb off Killiney Court’s stablemate and nine-times winner The King Of Brega
Gordon Elliott saddles three of the eight declared for this near two-mile-three-furlong contest, with Road To Dubai appearing the best of these.
The Colin Bowe-trained Victoria Bay is another interesting contender, fitted with a tongue-strap for the first time, while Darver Star and Ask Nile complete the line-up.
Elliott also has a strong hand in the Balloohire.com Mares Handicap Hurdle, with Sassy Yet Classy and Ballydunblaze his representatives.
In A Pinch, Walking In Memphis Iamastartoo and Milomynit are other leading contenders in this competitive affair.
The opening contest on the card is the Molson Coors Mares Maiden Hurdle, with Rebel Og and Star Adventure the stand out names.
The Willie Mullins-trained former was a beaten favourite on her last two starts and is tried in a hood for the first time now as she starts off over flights. Panther Soul also trained by Mullins, should prove hard to beat in the Trackars Homecare Maiden Hurdle.
The son of Famous Name has been ultimately disappointing in two starts since joining the team at Closutton, but should be able to make the breakthrough in a contest of this quality.
The nine-year-old Herbiegoesbananas has his first start for Mullins in the A J C Group, Newcastle Handicap Hurdle and it will be interesting to see how he fares.
Successful in a maiden hurdle at Roscommon in July of 2016, the son of Presenting has not been since in well over two years.
The consistent Canadian Steel should give a good account of himself in the Hannontravel.com Ladies Upstyle Hair Competition Win A Trip to Costa Blanca Handicap Hurdle.
A total of 13 have been declared for the concluding Hannontravel.com Most Stylish Hat & Accessories Competition Win A Trip to Rome Flat Race, with Galway third Soldiers Hill and the well-bred Wendy Howell two for the shortlist here.
