Draycott aims for Downpatrick success Having been rank outsider on his last four starts Draycott Place looks set to be a short price to get off the mark over hurdles at Downpatrick on Friday evening. John Ryan's gelding has mixed it in hot company since the start of this year but takes a huge drop in class now as he bids to secure his first racecourse success. The Oscar gelding has been far from disgraced against smart sorts, particularly when finishing third in a Thurles Grade Two event in February. He only beat one home in Grade One company at Punchestown but faces nothing of that calibre in the Friday Evening In May Maiden Hurdle that opens proceedings at the northern track. His handler opted to compete at a higher level to maintain his novice status for the 2014/15 season and with the new term now under way he looks set to gain a confidence-boosting win. "He's a gorgeous horse and I'm very fond of him," said Ryan. "Downpatrick has been a lucky old place for me. To be fair to them they look after the track very well. He wants good ground and that's why he's going there. "He's in tremendous form and he's had great experience recently. He's still a novice for this season. "It's no bad race but I'd be very hopeful." Solidago has notched five placed efforts in handicap company since December and should be able to collect more prize-money. Former champion jockey Paul Townend takes the ride on Draycott Place and he looks to have a strong book of mounts at the meeting. He rides Catchin Time for Philip Rothwell in the Come Visit Downpatrick Handicap Hurdle and he looks a leading contender. The gelding was withdrawn at Fairyhouse on Tuesday because of quick ground but handled the good going at Ballinrobe previously when runner-up. That form looks strong with the third, Hareth, going on to run well in the Fairyhouse event when chasing home Cordelia Belle. Over Church Road has some strong course form and should run a big race in the Tote LiveTheDream At Downpatrick Maiden Hurdle, while Townend's other mount Bank Bonus would be a contender in the Tote Betting Now Available Handicap Hurdle on the pick of his form.
