4:27 Downpatrick Tips

Rexem has always looked like a step up in trip would suit, and this 3 miles 4 furlongs distance could be right up his street. John McConnell has booked top claimer Eoin Staples to ride, and he should go close.

Uncle Pat looks a strong contender in the Ulster National. He steps up to 3m 4½f after a solid effort last time at Punchestown, where he finished 2nd over 3m 3½f, beaten just 5 lengths by a rival now rated 132. That piece of form suggests he doesn’t need to find much improvement to be competitive here. With stamina already proven over a similar trip and a mark of 125 looking workable, he appears well positioned. There’s also encouragement from his pedigree that further progress is possible at this sort of distance, which strengthens his claims.

Six-time winner St Deniss Well looked like returning to form when runner-up over hurdles at Navan last month. His last win over fences was in a Novice Handicap here at Downpatrick in March 24, and with Jack Kennedy riding today he looks like a good each-way bet with four places on offer.

Shannon Royale is undoubtedly a risky proposition given his profile over the past 15 months, but there are reasons to believe he could outrun his odds. His recent 7th over the banks offered a small sign of encouragement. If you look back to December 2024, his form reads much stronger. On that occasion, he won over 3m, beating High Class Hero (now rated 150 over fences), with the third, 12 lengths behind, now rated 143 ??' a notably strong piece of form. However, his subsequent record (P65P75P7) raises obvious concerns around consistency and reliability. As a result, his mark has eased to 130, which does give him a chance if he can rediscover his earlier level. His pedigree suggests this stamina test should suit, so while he has the class to feature, he comes with significant risk attached.

This one is a bit risky. He is clearly a talented horse ridden by a promising claimer. The problem is he missed a full season of racing in 2025 and has returned with decent efforts over hurdles. He won his last chase start, but that was nearly two years ago. The question is how much ability remains? With four places on offer, I think he's worth chancing.

Dorans Law is overpriced at 20-1 for the Ulster National. He is a young horse with plenty of experience at a lesser level and should at least get a place.