The Irish Angle: Johnny Ward's top tips for Downpatrick

One of the joys of working at the provincial tracks is meeting the like of Harry Smyth.

Well into his mid-80s, Harry told Racing TV viewers after Willyouwalkwithme won in October that retirement was probably nigh. He was, he admitted, getting tired.

So, of course, Harry has given it another go and so will Willyouwalkwithme at Downpatrick on Saturday. He's one of my selections. Be lucky.

I thought this eight-year-old ran a nice race when probably needing the run a little here a month ago. In his past five runs he has been sent off 8-1 or bigger yet he has won twice in that time, and he has a bit of class in this grade. Intriguingly, he is also declared here on Sunday.

Cheltenham-winning trainer Sam Curling travels all the way from Cashel with one runner.

Susie Miller finished third to the well-treated Bal Kauto patently at Limerick last time, and she might have gotten off lightly to remain in 0-95s.

She was backed that day and justified it with a good performance back handicapping. At worst she will place if she repeats that effort. It's encouraging, too, that her sister Western Miller was progressive and streets ahead of this level.