The partnership of Herb Superb and Miss Diana Duffy has completed a full compliment of four point-to-point wins this season and can compensate at Downpatrick this evening for a near miss at Dundalk last Friday evening.

Then Herb Superb, the 11 to 10 favourite in a 12-runner field, looked likely to justify his market status when taking the lead after the last fence only to be run out of it thanks to a renewed burst on the part of San-France whose rider Robbie McNally collected a two day suspension for excessive use of the whip.

The pick of the opposition could be Nearly A Line sent up from Co Limerick by Michael Hourigan. In what was his first start since running over hurdles last Autumn, Nearly A Line won a local point-to-point at Kilmallock.

Princely Spark trained by Dermot Weld for his early races last year has rejoined the Rosewell Lodge handler since showing improvement from two to three by a close second to Wild Zing at Clonmel last Month. He has the year-older Red Piper to beat in the Toal Bookmakers Handicap.

The day's banker though is Spokesman in the Murphy Jewellers Maiden even if Christy Roche has passed up on the ride and given it to a 10lb claimer. Spokesman has been a model of consistency since the beginning of the year in flat races run under National Hunt and Turf Club Rules alike.