Ireland today

There is Irish racing this afternoon at Downpatrick and this eveing at Killarney, both mixed meetings with large fields of mainly moderate performers. Michael Grassick can land a double at Downpatrick with Trikirk (Paul Carberry) in the maiden hurdle at 15.30 CET, who is making his N.H. debut but has the best flat form of these, and Acclaimed Piper (Keagan Latham) in the 11 furlongs maden on the flat at 17.00. He has so far not finished in the first four, but has been running in better company and today´s opposition does not look strong. At Killarney, the most interesting race is the 2 miles 1 furlong case at 20.10, even though it has easily the smallest field. Ruby Walsh partners hat-trick seeking Irish Invader, presumably the better of Willie Mullins´ two runners, while top-weight French Accordion (Paul Nolan/ Joe Cullen) and the improving Emotional Article (Tom Taaffe/ Adrian Joyce) also have their chances. Ex-German Spiriton, well-beaten on his only flat start in Ireland, has useful form over hurdles and can defy top weight in the flat handicap over 11 furlongs at 21.10.