Eoin Doyle is 3/4 at Downpatrick this season and has one runner there on Sunday

County Kilkenny-based trainer Eoin Doyle has been in fine form with his runners at Downpatrick so far this season. He’s had four runners at the track and three of them have won, making him a man to follow. It could therefore be worth keeping an eye on his one runner at the track on Sunday, who will be bidding to improve her trainer’s record to 4/5. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

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3.48 Downpatrick

Optional Mix is probably a better chaser than a hurdler but her handicap mark reflects that and it’s something connections will seek to take advantage of. She scored on her penultimate start over fences at Killarney in June and if producing a similar performance over timber here, she’s definitely capable of getting her head in front.

Eoin Doyle’s mare has won two of her 19 starts over hurdles and the most recent of those was a 15-length success in a Limerick handicap off a 7lb lower mark back in 2022. The extra weight wouldn’t have stopped her the day so it would be unwise to rule her out. All five of her wins have come between an extended 2m3f and 2m6f so the trip won’t be an issue here.

There are a few dangerous-looking contenders here and chief among them is hat-trick-seeking Steps In The Sand. Cian Collins’ mare won here over 2m2f when last seen and another big run is anticipated from her. Big guns Gordon Elliott and Henry de Bromhead run one each and their representatives are also last time out winners which warrant respect.

This is looking like a pretty tough race but whilst Optional Mix wouldn’t be at the top of the list, a return to winning ways over timber is by no means out of the question.

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