The addition of a few higher-rated horses has enhanced the Randox Ulster National at Downpatrick but Ask Anything stills makes the most appeal in the marathon contest.
He was set to carry top weight when the race was scheduled earlier this month but has a lesser burden of 11 stone now in the €50,000 event.
Gavin Cromwell’s charge comes into the race off the back of a cracking run in a competitive novice handicap final at Navan last month.
He lost out by a neck to Bushmans Pass over just shy of three miles then with the pair pulling clear of the field.
The Ask gelding appears to relish a test of stamina and going up to this extended three-and-a-half miles could bring further improvement.
He travelled strongly down the straight last time before losing out in a battle and it’s interesting to see connections fit a hood.
Frontal Assault looks the pick of the Gordon Elliott-trained trio and title chaser Jack Kennedy takes the mount on the Gigginstown gelding.
The Presenting gelding ran a big race when fourth in the Irish National on Easter Monday and should appreciate this nicer ground now.
Elliott’s Jumping Jet is another that can be given a chance off a nice low weight.
Ask Anything looks progressive though and is fancied to shine now over this type of trip.
Kennedy has plenty of good rides on the card as he bids to maintain his lead in the jockeys’ championship over Paul Townend.
Pallas Athene looks to have found a good opportunity in the maiden hurdle restricted to horses rated less than 109.
She drops in trip and is fitted with cheekpieces now after finishing fourth at Down Royal 12 days ago.
In the concluding beginners’ chase, Duffle Coat can bag a deserved win after three runner-up efforts over fences.
He chased home Dreal Deal at Down Royal 12 days ago and a similar effort may be enough here.
Townend has only one mount and Surf Club can give him a winner in the handicap hurdle over two-miles-seven.
The Willie Mullins-trained gelding opened his account at Tramore the other day over fences.
With that confidence-boosting win under his belt he should be able to make a mark off this kind of rating over timber.
SELECTIONS
4.20 Gone For Tea
4.50 Pallas Athene
5.20 Benjis Benefit
5.50 Surf Club (Dbl)
6.20 Ask Anything (Nap)
6.50 Attitash
7.20 Duffle Coat
