Lot Moore to come from Joey

JOEY SASA, from Noel Meade’s in-form yard, should prove the star of today’s action in Downpatrick.

Placed twice in Grade 2 novice company last winter, Joey Sasa ran creditably last time, finishing fourth behind Tigris River in the Guinness Galway Hurdle.

Officially rated 138, the eight-year-old has been found a good opportunity in the J P Corry Building Suppliers Hurdle and, with Jonathan Moore deputising for the suspended Sean Flanagan, should deliver.

The other stand-out bet at Downpatrick is Gordon Elliott’s Poormans Hill reverting to hurdling, in the 80-95 handicap.

A dual-winner over fences in recent weeks, at this venue and Sligo, he received an 18lb rise from the handicapper, to a new mark of 106. And he looks exceptionally well-treated here, off a hurdle mark of just 87. He should not be opposed.

The Keane/smullen battle will add spice to Dundalk’s eight-race card tonight. And both men should be on the mark, Keane leading 84-81 in the title-race, holding solid claims on board the consistent Tennessee Wildcat in the listed Carlingford Stakes.

Michael Halford’s

Andesh, runner-up in his two starts and, significantly, wearing a first-time tongue-tie looks Smullen’s best prospect while the nine-time champion will expect to be involved at the business end on Katiymann and Jock Talk in their respective handicaps.

Meanwhile, it was a mixed day for Davy Russell in Thurles yesterday where he guided the Henry de Bromhead-trained 1/3 shot Mullinavat, 14lb well-in at the weights, to victory in the Templemore Handicap Hurdle.

But the Cork rider endured a few near misses too, finishing runner-up on Mitchouka (beaten a nose by Apparition), Dis Donc (narrowly beaten by Vengeful) and Swingbridge beaten by Antimatter.

DIFFICULT TO OPPOSE Trainer Noel Meade