UK Horse Racing Tips: Dundalk

LEQUINTO has improved markedly since going handicapping and being switched to the all-weather, and he built on last month's close-up third here when returning to justify favouritism last Friday. Both of those races were over 6f, but he seems to possess the necessary speed for the minimum and can defy his penalty. Dundalk specialist Danz Gift accounted for Zippity over C&D, although he is 6lb worse off now. Ty Rock Brandy and Early Call warrant consideration as well.
Prediction : 1st Lequinto 2nd Danz Gift 3rd Ty Rock Brandy

The veteran Sharjah retains plenty of enthusiasm and has gone agonisingly close on three of his last four starts but he may have to settle for another supporting role, this time behind CLIARA. The John McConnell-trained filly made a successful raid on Wolverhampton before taking third over 1m4f here, and the rise in distance can spark even more improvement. Molly Kaye was in fine fettle on turf last summer and is a danger if bringing that form to the table on her return.
Prediction : 1st Cliara 2nd Sharjah 3rd Molly Kaye

GOLDEN VALOUR stayed on well to lead in the closing stages over the extended 1m2f here earlier in the month and is expected to appreciate this step up in trip as he bids to notch a double off this 7lb higher perch. Ger Lyons' hat-trick seeker, Long Arm, is proven under these conditions and worth monitoring closely in the betting on his return from a 159-day absence, while Politicise, who drops back from 2m, could also be thereabouts at the line.
Prediction : 1st Golden Valour 2nd Long Arm 3rd Politicise

Aidan O'Brien has won three of the four previous runnings of this race so Tiger Moth warrants plenty of respect, particularly as he made a debut full of encouragement when three-parts-of-a-length third over 7f at the Curragh in October. However, today might be AGITARE's day. He has earned a rating of 100 with a number of solid efforts in defeat, including when third in Group 2 company two starts ago, and Jim Bolger is likely to have him fairly forward for his reappearance. Kushkame made a pleasing introduction over C&D recently and he could be a colt worth following as the season progresses.
Prediction : 1st Agitare 2nd Tiger Moth 3rd Kushkame

Mudlahhim only found Magna Grecia too good on his debut as a juvenile but failed to match that level in two starts last year, although the son of Tamayuz must not be underestimated. That said, preference is for STRONGBOWE, who was not beaten far at all in a competitive contest on his debut at Cork last May. With that experience now under his belt, the four-year-old should take plenty of stopping. Others to consider are The Alpha Man and Army Recruit.
Prediction : 1st Strongbowe 2nd Mudlahhim 3rd The Alpha Man

GIN BLOSSOM caught the eye when second over 1m at the Curragh and Gowran Park last season and could be the answer to this competitive maiden. Although beaten at a short price on her second appearance, the winner took the Park Express on Monday, and Joseph O'Brien's Make Believe filly was clear of the remainder. North Street took a step forward from his racecourse bow when fourth at 66/1 here, while War Flight did well to finish third despite breaking awkwardly last month and should appreciate the step up in trip.
Prediction : 1st Gin Blossom 2nd North Street 3rd War Flight

Beleaguerment returned from a small break with a fine effort to finish runner-up over C&D earlier in the month and is expected to remain competitive having only gone up 1lb. A pair of cheekpieces may aid the cause of Silk Cravat, with his most recent efforts offering encouragement, but the vote goes to HELEN DE POURTALES. Madeleine Tylicki's filly shaped well when third on her handicap bow and the drop back from 1m could unlock further progression.
Prediction : 1st Beleaguerment 2nd Helen De Pourtales 3rd Silk Cravat