POLLTRlC looks a decent bet to make his first start in handicap company a successful one by taking the Langholm Opportunity Hurdle at Down Royal this afternoon.

The Caroline Barker-trained six-year-old has run well in his three appearances in maiden hurdles this year without quite threatening to win but looks to have a reasonable weight, judged on those performances, in today's contest.

The last of those three runs was at Tipperary two weeks ago when finishing fourth to Pauls Run but the best of them was probably when beaten only a total of four lengths by the gambled on Pat Hartigan at Leopardstown at the start of March.

That was a decent performance in relation to today's competition, the best of which could be Slewmore, a four-length winner at Thurles last time. However, the form of that was hardly boosted when the second, Clashbeg, couldn't win at Ballinrobe on Thursday and Polltric can make the long journey north from the Curragh worthwhile with a win.

Friarstown Duke ran well enough when beaten only three parts of a length by the decent Father Rector at Thurles to suggest he is more than capable of taking the Bet With The Tote Beginners Chase and a short-priced - winning double could be achieved - if Michael Halford's Fabriano builds on the promise of his course and distance third to Vincitore and Atha Beithe on St Patrick's Day. If he does, the opening Dumfries Maiden Hurdle looks his for the taking.

Another race that won't take much winning is the Auchtermuchty Maiden Hurdle hut something has to finish in front and it won't be too much of a surprise if it's the Michael O'Brien-trained Mr Magget that manages to do that.

Time may show that those who ran behind Zaffaran Run in a bumper at Tramore last month were attempting a very difficult task indeed. Mr Magget could manage only fifth that day but judged on a second to Miracle Me in a maiden hurdle in January, he has his chance today.

Mount Hall ran on well enough, after starting at a huge price, in a Naas bumper last time to suggest he can go close in the bumper, while Hiltonstown Lass is marginally preferred to Best Interest in the hunters chase.

Satellite Information Services (515) will carry live pictures of all seven races from the Curragh today.