2.55pm Downpatrick Tips & Betting Preview 14/10/2016

CANNY TOM (9/2) has been a frustrating horse to follow in recent starts but with Gordon Elliott in the form of his life at present, this could be the day for him. The top weight was sent off a strong and well backed favourite at Perth last time out and would have been right in the mix but for a fall at the final flight. If he is fine after that incident he should have every chance in what looks a rather moderate contest.

1 CANNY TOM – Gordon Elliott has saddled six winners in the past three days and can continue his fine run of form in this race. Well backed on all of his last four starts, this horse has become very frustrating but the yard persevere with him. This is one of the weakest contests’ he has participated in and a win is expected.

2 BALLYFINBOY – Course and distance winner that enjoys the undulations and sharpness of Downpatrick. However, is not a horse to fully rely on; now a 10 year old and ran a poor race when a well beat 4th of 6 at Sligo last time out. Needs to bounce back but not fully discounted and could place.

3 NEDDYVAUGHAN – Christy Roche trained five year old who produced a career best performance to finish 3rd of 18 runners at Clonmel behind stablemate Finding Touch last time out, doing his best work late on. Not sure if the drop back in trip will suit but looks an improving type.

4 FLASHING BATON – Backed from 33/1 into 20/1 last time out at Tramore when 6th to Abbey Magic in a weak contest. Needs to improve on that performance and he didn’t seem to enjoy the sharpness of Tramore which wouldn’t be ideal here at Downpatrick. Best watched but ran well enough here two starts back.

5 THE IRRITATOR – Decent run at Down Royal two starts back when a well beat 6th in a large field and well beat in 7th behind Jack Slade at Fairyhouse over 2m 4f last time out. Impossible to fancy off the back of those performances and needs to show a lot more.

6 SHEK O LAD – Placed at Ballinrobe last year on softish ground but ran poorly on the three subsequent starts after that. A big step back in the right direction last time out when 5th to Tornado Watch and a fine 7 pound claimer booked. Wouldn’t rule out a big run at a big price.

7 OUR RACHAEL – Trained by the mysterious Tony Martin so any market moves for this horse would be extremely significant. Yet to win but has some good placed form in the book and she was a close up 6th at the Curragh on the flat over 1m 4f last time out. Very interesting contender but too short in the betting.

8 CLONLENEY – Comes here off the back of a six month break so will likely need the run. The hood goes on for the very first time though and that can spring a horse to life. Fine 2nd to Maighnealta here at Downpatrick when last seen and a repeat of that would see him go extremely close.

9 TINTOWN ROBIN – Still very low mileage on the clock and he ran an absolute belter at Tramore last time out when 2nd to the gamble of the race, Game Puppeteer. The two tracks are pretty similar in style so a repeat performance would give him every chance here. Big each way chance.

10 NORTHON – Well beat on all four starts to date and unless massive improvement comes he has no chance whatsoever. Still lightly raced and is only a four year old but is extremely hard to fancy off the back of those efforts.