Preview | Route (H) Portrush 9th October 2021

The David Christie trained Winged Leader will be making his seasonal re-appearance at Portrush on Saturday. 

He ended the season on a hattrick on wins following his impressive performance at Listowel in the hunters chase when defeating Warriors Tales by four and half lengths.


Race 1 - Dennison Commercials Ltd 4yo Maiden

There are just a quartet of horses with previous experience with DON’T WALK AWAY standing out for the in-form Colin Bowe yard which have been among the winners at each of the six fixtures run so far in the new season.

He may have been a beaten favourite on his return to action at Oldcastle on the opening day of the season, however he was only beaten two lengths on that occasion and has the experience to get his head in front here.

Private Ryan still held claims when coming down on his debut at Fairyhouse, whilst Billable Grant, who would be a popular winner for his owner Pamela Ballantine, ran well at a big price to finish fifth in a Tipperary point-to-point bumper in the spring.


Race 2 - OConnor, Kennedy & Turtle and Tattersalls Ireland 5yo Geldings Maiden

This has a very open look to it and it may be worth taking a chance on SILVER FLYER following two luckless efforts last season which saw him fail to complete at Cork and Fairyhouse.

He had offered promising signs prior to his respective departures in those races and could come out a better horse.

100-rated hurdler Rockhamtom has joined Colin McBratney from Philip Hobbs, whilst Katesbridge and Neon Nights are others that could figure if at their best.


Race 3 - A Diamond & Son Timber Ltd 5yo Mares Maiden

SUSIE MILLER went close at Tipperary on her debut in the spring and could well have finished even closer but for a slow leap at the last, and she could bounce back to that form given that she represents the very much in-form Sam Curling team.

That Tipperary stable have had four winners and a second from just eight runners this season. Drumlees Pet failed to reproduce her Castletown-Geoghegan debut in two subsequent efforts but could come here fresh, whilst Justwest and Rucinski are experienced campaigners that have place claims.


Race 4 - Kellys, Portrush Open

WINGED LEADER (pictured above) has won his last five starts in open company dating back to Kirkistown in February 2020 a run of success that includes a six-length defeat of talented track performer Jury Duty in this race last year.

Having ended last season winning a Hunter Chase in Listowel, he should pick up where he left off by winning this for a second straight year.

Stablemate Vaucelet was narrowly denied in the five-year-old maiden on this card, but progressed to win the Champion Novice Hunter Chase at Stratford to suggest he would be an able deputy if connections do not elect to run the selection, whilst the long-absent Cap DAubois has strong form.


Race 5 - Royal Court Hotel Winner Of Three

After winning the older maiden on this card 12 months ago ASK DMAN went on to add to his tally at Loughbrickland and Broughshane meeting with a surprise defeat at his local track in Necarne.

He brings the strongest form into this as he bids to get back to winning ways however he could need to be ready for this with two race-fit recent winners among the opposition in Red Vision and the hat-trick seeking Coastguard Station.

The latter won very easily last Sunday at Loughrea, whilst William Tyndale is better than his latest effort.


Race 6 - Kennys Eurospar, Coleraine 6yo Geldings Maiden

EASCA MOR may not have followed up his excellent second to Wrong Direction in a Cork Hunter Chase when a well-beaten fourth at Ballingarry at the end of the season, but he is worth a second chance in this.

Caroline McCaldin had the first two home in a similar race at Moira last Saturday and runs another long-absent stable debutant which is sure to be of interest, whilst there may not be a lot separating Five Dollar Fine, Whinny Island, Buzzard Trix and Drumlee Castle.