Downpatrick and The Curragh Racing Tips - 23rd May Two meetings take place in Ireland on Friday evening with jumps action at Downpatrick (5.00-8.07) before they go off on the flat at Curragh (5.10-8.25). We have provided selections and analysis for three races this Friday. Friday Racing Tips 5.00 Downpatrick - Jazz de Cotte 5.45 Curragh - Li Ban 6.55 Curragh - Shackleton bet365 Betting Offer If you already have a bet365account, check out more of the best betting sites and casino bonuses 5.00 Downpatrick - Jazz de Cotte The evening racing at Downpatrick kicks off with a maiden hurdle event over 2m 3f and Sam Ewing and Gordon Elliott will be looking to build on their success in this race last year with Jazz de Cotte. This six-year-old gelding has had only two races over hurdles, most recently finishing second at Naas as the short-priced favorite. However, that run may have been needed after a 132-day break and the performance suggested a longer distance would be more beneficial for Elliott’s horse. Having been declared a non runner earlier this month at this venue, it indicates connections intention to run him here, and if race-fit, he is capable of a strong showing. 5.45 Curragh - Li Ban The three-day festival for the Irish Guineas kicks off at the Curragh on Friday with a host of competitive races for punters to get involved in. The second race of the evening is a competitive 6f handicap for fillies and Amo Racing could have a strong hand with Li Ban. As a two-year-old, Li Ban demonstrated considerable potential on the racetrack. Her debut season included a notable second-place finish in a class two event at Newmarket, followed by a respectable fifth in a Group 3 contest at Kempton Park. However, since being transferred to Adrian Murray’s yard, Li Ban's three-year-old campaign has not seen the same encouraging results. Despite this recent dip in form, a return to racing on turf may be beneficial with Robert Whearty claiming a handy 3lb. 6.55 Curragh - Shackleton The first of many grouped races at the Curragh take place on Friday evening, with champion trainer Aidan O’Brien having won the previous two renewals of the Gallinule Stakes. The Ballydole trainer holds a strong hand once more and looks poised to make it three in a row with Thrice and Shackleton set to run. While both have their plaudits, the selection goes to the latter and the choice of Ryan Moore. This Camelot colt displayed juvenile form last season that appears substantially stronger than that of any of his competitors in this race. Such was the impression he made that he went off as a short-priced favorite for a Group 3 contest at Newmarket last October. However, in that outing, he ran too keenly, and ultimately failed to live up to market expectations. The fact that his connections have handed Shackleton a Derby entry suggests he should possess enough ability to go close here.
