Maxwell to land double

DOWNPATRICK'S quirky undulating track can take a lot of getting used to, so it should pay to side with the local trainer jockey team of Jeremy Maxwell and Brian Hamilton in the final two races this evening.

Their representative in the novices chase, Power Pack, should certainly appreciate a return to more familiar surroundings. Last time out the nine year old travelled to Ayr in mid April and didn't let the side down with an honourable third to American Hero and Singing Sand over two miles.

That had been his first race since landing a Beginners Chase at Naas in very easy fashion, and this nine year old, who has always been possessed of ability, should score his second fencing victory today.

The case for Handsome Anthony in the bumper is not as clear cut but he did show enough for Hamilton when beaten seven lengths into third by Easy Feel in at Down Royal recently to suggest that he could have a weak contest like this evening's within his scope.

The danger could be Oh So Cosy who makes the six hour journey from Colin Parker's Lockerbie yard, a path followed successfully to this race by stablemate Sparky Gayle three years ago.

Michael Grassibk's Curragh yard has been in fine form recently and Gladatorial can continue that trend in the 13 furlong maiden.

This is a far from awe inspiring contest and Gladatorial, a winner of a Sligo bumper and a hurdle race at Tralee last year, has at least shown winning form. Last time out he wasn't so lucky when taking a heavy fall in the race won by Native Darrig at Navan, and providing that hasn't unduly affected him, Gladatorial must hold a first rate chance of beating the exPeter Walwyn trained Kawainin, well beaten in Chester maiden last June.

Last year's champion apprentice Pat Smullen takes the ride again on Molly Coates who could be worth an interest in a rather trappy looking 11 furlong handicap.

Last time out over a quarter of a mile shorter at Ballinrobe, Molly Coates gave the impression she would definitely appreciate further.

The Down Royal bumper winner, Frankie Willow, subsequently ran in the Cheltenham bumper, only to finish tailed off but will still be strongly fancied to land the opening maiden hurdle. However, although Conor O'Dwyer is a significant booking for Frankie Willow, he could be worth opposing with Pils Invader who proved she acts on the track when finishing a long way ahead of the rest when runner up to Collon Diamonds here in March.