Newton Bridge carries Elliott hope

Racing

Monday, May 05, 2008

By Jimmy Walker

Trainer Gordon Elliott is a trainer worth following and the man who won the Grand National in 2007 has a big opportunity of scoring in the Daily Mirror handicap chase at Down Royal today.

Elliott settled for bottom weight Newton Bridge, who last time out finished second at Cheltenham in April taking one and a half lengths by Earth Planet. Newton Bridge carries only ten stone today and should be worth following even though there are a number of other interesting possibilities in the race.

Trainer Jim Lambe was on the mark at Kilbeggan on Saturday night with his first winner of the season and Litron who was fifth at Punchestown would have a decent sort of chance based on that form.

Top weight is carried by The Joker, formerly trained by Joan McGee near Downpatrick but now with Shane Donahoe.

Another Shane - Jackson - will ride and claim three times off the 11 stone 12.

Jessica Harrington has a big chance with Woodhouse and Django and of this pair Django is preferred.

Meanye Kid who has been successful on the last two occasions with Drumnavaddy Lough has his daughter Becky in the saddle and she could have a happy reunion with Drumnavaddy Lough who was rather unlucky to lose at Down Royal in February but has won twice at Downpatrick and Ferryhouse.

This is a wide open race but in the hope that Elliott continues to wield a magic touch Newton Bridge is given the vote.

In the other big race, the Governors Cup Beginnings Chase, Noel Meade, Shiloh who was successful last time out at Cork is given the vote with the danger coming from Charlie's First trained by Peter Casey and ridden by Barry Gerhety who between them are course specialists at Down Royal.

Selections: Down Royal - 2.20 Charminamix, 2.50 Direct Exit, 3.20 Guy Hall, 3.50 Newton Bridge, 4.20 Shiloh, 4.50 Bloomfield Lass, 5.20 Flenross.