Sizing Rome is perfect fit for Downpatrick triumph

SIZING Rome beat several of tonight’s opponents when winning at Down Royal’s Bank Holiday Monday meeting with Eddie’s Miracle finishing runner-up and Clondaw Frisby in fourth.

Abbazagga and Ajijic also hold claims in the hunter chase but the Jim Dreaper-trained runner, with Lisa O’Neill aboard, gets the vote.

The Apple Services Hurdle is an open affair, however Banksoftheshannon’s effort when runner-up at Leopardstown last December reads well.

Littlestickarubarb is favourite while locally-trained The White Volcano warrants consideration.

The Willie Mullins-trained Caro Des Flos ran well at Punchestown and was previously runner-up over tonight’s track.

Gordon Elliott has resumed normal service after his team’s break and the locally-owned Count Simon shaped well on his hurdling debut.

Benefit North and Frankiefiveangels also warrant consideration but Count Simon gets the vote to provide a local winner in the opener sponsored by bookmaker Pat O’Hare.

Crown Of Thorns, Coldstonesober and previous course winner King Of Aran form the short list in the 80/95 rated handicap hurdle with the first named, from in-form Noel Meade’s stable, getting the vote.

Beginningatthetop, Festival Opera and Ri An Rian are possibles to open their accounts in a tricky beginners chase while Elliott’s pair Kayf Thou and Mac’s Stowaway cannot be excluded.

Quickasyoucan, He Knows My Name, Bold Sky and Tiger Sam look the quartet to focus on in the handicap chase which is another open affair.

Tipp Toe has recorded two decent efforts since his transfer from point to points to the course proper and represents Meade and in-form local rider Mark O’Hare, the pair having had an outstanding run of success in recent weeks.

Frankly All Talk — unlucky to be denied on his points debut — along with Global Jackpot and Baboin supply the dangers.

Meanwhile, connections of Max Dynamite are hoping a return to the Flat can rekindle his enthusiasm when he bids for glory in today’s Mansionbet Yorkshire Cup.

The Willie Mullins-trained eight-year-old was an impressive winner of the Lonsdale Cup at York back in 2015.

He went on to finish a halflength second in the Melbourne Cup later that year and was placed in the Flemington showpiece again last November, this time coming home in third.

Since finishing sixth in the Hong Kong Vase the following month, Rich Ricci’s charge has aimed to make the most of a seemingly favourable mark over hurdles, but finished well-beaten in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham and at Punchestown.

Patrick Mullins, assistant to his father, said: “Max Dynamite has been a bit disappointing over hurdles, but he’s probably just not in love with them and he also wants proper fast ground.

“Conditions at York will play to his strengths and hopefully he’ll bounce back to form.” TONIGHT’S DOWNPATRICK TIPS: 5.45 Count Simon 6.15 Banksoftheshannon 6.50 Crown Of Thorns 7.20 Beginningatthetop 7.55 Bold Sky 8.25 Sizing Rome 8.55 Tipp Toe Hopeful: Lisa O’Neill has big chance on Sizing Rome