Merchant Paddy looks poised to strike

MERCHANT PADDY is the nap choice in the Ladbrokes’ Andersontown Road Beginners Chase at Downpatrick this afternoon.

Charles Byrnes’ charge is a useful sort on his day and, with two outings over fences under his belt, should now be poised to strike. He made little show first time up behind Dancing Hero at Gowran Park, but there was distinct promise in his latest effort, even if only managing tenth behind Shazand at Punchestown.

The selection jumped and travelled nicely through the contest, to the third last, and then ran on reasonably well from the final fence, after appearing to get his second wind.