RUBY’S DEFINITE CHANCE

DEFINITE RUBY could top another excellent day for Gordon Elliott, who heads to Downpatrick’s first fixture of the year with a number of strong chances.

He is among Elliott’s strongest candidates and lines up in the featured Ulster National.

She could manage only seventh in this race a year ago, but there is every reason to believe she can do better this time.

She looked better than ever when returning to action with victory over hurdles at Punchestown in January.

The drying ground will suit her very well, while she did shape far better than the final result of this race last year would suggest.

It would not surprise if she were given most to do by former Cork and Midlands National hero Tulsa Jack.

Elliott should also land the opener with Icario, who has filled the runner-up spot in four maiden hurdles this season. The gelding was in the process of running well at Cheltenham last week only to fall at the last in the Fred Winter.

Sanibel Island looks another likely type for Elliott in the rated hurdle.

Elsewhere, James has shown enough in his runs this season to suggest the handicap chase is within his reach.

In the bumper, Coeur De Beauchene will be popular, but preference is for Dawn Shadow.