In A Pinch - 4-in-a-row bid at Downpatrick this afternoon© Photo Healy Racing
The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle carries the biggest prize-fund of the day at Downpatrick on Sunday and has attracted a field worthy of its feature status.
Three last-time-out winners do battle in the two-mile-three-furlong event — and are joined by several other in-form rivals. In A Pinch tops them all, in search of a fourth win in succession — although the handicapper is making it increasingly difficult for the daughter of Scorpion.
It is not surprising to see trainer Shay Slevin turn to a claiming rider, and the talented Darragh O’Keeffe will take 7lb off — accounting for the bulk of the 9lb extra she has received for her latest triumph.
In A Pinch will travel up from Slevin’s County Wexford base, and the majority of the nine participants will also have lengthy treks to the County Down venue.
Local runners have a good record at Downpatrick — and falling into that category, Brian Hamilton supplies Dynamic Allen with Dollys Destination going for Gary McGill.
Dynamic Allen is already a course winner, while Dollys Destination has a Hexham win and second-placing to her name in recent times.
The Molson Coors Handicap Hurdle also carries a healthy purse, of 20,000 euros. Killiney Court won the corresponding heat in 2018, but will have to defy top-weight if he is to repeat the feat.
It may be best to look to the other end of the weights and Zoffalee who comes here on the back of a convincing Ballinrobe win.
The Zoffany gelding hails from the in-form Andrew McNamara outfit, and will have the assistance of Rachael Blackmore in the plate.
The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares INH Flat Race features four appealing newcomers — including Joseph O’Brien’s Lady Breffni who has a point-to-point win and a bumper third on her CV already.
