DAVY RUSSELL has some choice Christmas rides coming up including a possible trip to Kempton on St Stephen's Day if War Of Attrition runs in the King George VI Chase.
In comparison today's Downpatrick fare is pretty mundane but anyone going from the South is advised to leave extra time to travel as delays are expected in the Newry area.
Russell will be one of those as he is engaged to ride Lough Ferrib in the opening handicap hurdle who is making the trip from John Hassett's Co Clare yard.
This one reappeared at Cork when sixth to Blaise Hollow but started favourite and can strike now with that run under his belt.
In The Haven and Port La Chaine are sure to have their supporters for the following maiden hurdle but it could be worth taking a chance instead with Strange Encounter.
Trainer Philip Fenton is in form and Strange Encounter is making a quick reappearance having run fourth to the Grade One entrant Zarinava at Cork last Sunday.
Claimer Luke McNiff advertised his talents with a win at Navan on Sunday and looks to have a good chance of adding to that with Ilikeyou in the Beginners Chase.
Testing conditions should not be a problem for this Sligo hurdles winner while the Clonmel winner Saddlers Native can bounce back to form in the Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.
