WILLIE CAN DOUBLE UP

Phil’s Kerry National aim

THE Kerry National is a possible target for last season’s classy novice chaser A Toi Phil.

Gordon Elliott’s charge returned to action with a very creditable fourth in last week’s Galway Plate. WILLIE Mullins could be among the trainers to follow at Downpatrick this afternoon, where he has solid prospects of a double.

The champion trainer (inset) can land the opener with Iolani, who is bidding to bounce back from an odds-on defeat at Limerick last month.

That was his first run over hurdles so he should improve for that experience and, significantly, he did win his bumper at this track.

Mullins is also fancied to land the bumper with Special Ted, who has reached the frame on his three runs so far. His last two defeats have come at Ballinrobe and Killarney, but on both occasions he showed up well in above average contests.

The pick of the day’s action is the rated hurdle, where Westland Row makes plenty of appeal.

He was unplaced at Galway last week, but ran quite well. He possesses enough pace to win at this distance and the good ground will be in his favour.

Elsewhere, Mountain Rock will be hard to beat in the second of the maiden hurdles, while the mares handicap hurdle can go to Sharlanda, who has won two of her last three starts and could be a cut above.

ONE FOR SHORTLIST Galway winner Andratx could run well in today’s 2.45 at Downpatrick