Poormans Hill © Photo Healy Racing
The Toals Bookmakers Ulster National Irish EBF Handicap Chase takes centre stage at Downpatrick on Sunday, with dual course winner Poormans Hill likely to prove popular with punters.
The Gordon Elliott-trained gelding has won six times this season, and finished sixth on his most recent start in the Leinster National at Gowran when sent off favourite.
He is upped in trip now to three and a half miles, but he has be tried over further in the past, and with 10st 9lb on his back, he can be expected to go close.
Anseanachai Cliste and Tulsa Jack finished first and second in this contest 12 months ago, and they renew rivalries now, while others for the shortlist include the hat-trick seeking Dinnie's Vinnie and the Charles Byrnes-trained Oscar Lantern.
Five have been declared for the Molson Corrs Rated Hurdle, with the John Kiely-trained Brave Out heading the field.
This seven-year-old gelding was successful at Wexford last Saturday and bids to follow up as he drops back to two and a quarter miles.
Gordon Elliott's Synopsis is an obvious danger with Jack Kennedy in the saddle, while Hey Little Boy, Game Of War and Oscars Den complete the line-up.
Willie Mullins trains Hey Little Boy and he is represented by Caro Des Flos in the opening WKD Maiden Hurdle. This French-bred bay put in an improved performance to finish second at Thurles last month.
The digita.agency Handicap Hurdle looks a weak affair, with A Place Apart, Show And Go and Sunset Sadie the stand-out names.
Handicap debutant Bold Sky (first-time cheekpieces) looks the one to beat in the Download The Ladbrokes App Handicap Chase, while recent Fairyhouse third Timewaitsfornoone should be able to take the Boardsmill Sires Maiden Hunters Chase.
The concluding race, the Pro Paramedics In Memory of John, Ian & Lynn (Pro/Am) Flat Race, appears a match between the Elliott-trained point-to-point winner Global Jackpot and Mullins' point-to-point runner-up Getareason.
