Imperial Belle looks poised to complete quick double

IMPERIAL BELLE, successful at Ballinrobe two days ago, is the nap choice to do the business again in the Mace Northern Ireland Champion Apprentice Handicap at Downpatrick this afternoon.

Joanna Morgan’s three-year-old gave the impression of being on the upgrade then and is fancied to make light of a mandatory 5lbs penalty. She raced out the back for much of the journey, before staying on strongly from the home turn to beat Da Pooch by half a length.

It was a moderate contest, of course, but the filly impressed with her attitude in the closing stages and travelling an extra two furlongs now should work in her favour.