UK Horse Racing Tips: Dundalk

Following two promising opening runs at Leopardstown, PROXIMA CENTAURI can gain a first career win. Short of room at a crucial stage before finishing well for fifth on her debut in July, the Jessica Harrington-trained filly went two places better next time. The form of that latter race was boosted subsequently when the winner followed up in a Listed contest on Champions Weekend. The 80-rated Varner will find this easier having been highly tried of late. Well beaten in a Group 3 race last time, the daughter of Elzaam should find her level. Down Royal runner-up Reponse Finale stepped up considerably on her first start when only narrowly losing out. Granted further improvement, the Kevin Prendergast-trained filly should go close.
Prediction : 1st Proxima Centauri 2nd Reponse Finale 3rd Varner

Kevin Coleman, who struck with a similar type here last week, can win with ELUSIVE DUKE. Runner-up at Cork on his debut last month, the form of that race has worked out quite well. Although unproven on the Polytrack, the son of Elzaam should have every chance of acting on it. Mighty Day has plenty of experience which should stand to him in a race of this nature. The James Barrett-trained colt did little wrong when finishing second in claiming company on his latest two starts. While a mark of 73 leaves him vulnerable to an improver, the U S Navy Flag colt won't go down without a fight. I Am Me shaped with plenty of promise when second at Roscommon back in May. Although absent since then, the Donnacha O'Brien-trained colt should hold strong claims.
Prediction : 1st Elusive Duke 2nd Mighty Day 3rd I Am Me

Three times successful here over the minimum trip, MEHMAN can gain a first victory over 7f. A revelation on the surface a couple of seasons back, the five-year-old returned to something like his best when winning on turf at Naas in May. However, following a really promising first try over this distance at the Curragh last weekend, the gelding looks ready to add to his career tally. First-time blinkers should also benefit the Gerard O'Leary-trained gelding. A five-time winner over a mile here, Punk Poet has also won at this shorter trip on turf. While the additional furlong would be preferable, the seven-year-old is unlikely to be far away. Prisoner's Dilemma, who returned to form here last month, should also be competitive.
Prediction : 1st Mehman 2nd Punk Poet 3rd Prisoners Dilemma

David Marnane's progressive three-year-old TOKENOMICS can follow up his recent Curragh success. A dual winner in July, the gelding ran a respectable race in mid-division at York the following month, before resuming winning ways last time. Stepping back up to a mile should suit the strong travelling son of The Great Gatsby. Proven on the surface, he should go close off a 4lb higher mark. Blues Emperor makes a first visit to Dundalk since finishing fourth on his racecourse debut back in 2021. A proven performer in premier handicap races, the top weight has his burden eased somewhat by the 10lb claim of Patrick McGettigan. A three-time winner at this venue, Ferrybank is sure to make a bold bid from the front.
Prediction : 1st Tokenomics 2nd Blues Emperor 3rd Ferrybank

It is surely significant that apprentice title contender James Ryan has stayed loyal to AREANA. Third on her recent stable debut for Conor Maxwell, the five-year-old travelled into the race easily before her effort levelled out inside the final furlong. While she may well have just needed that run on her first start since February, dropping back in trip looks a wise move. Ryan will most likely ride a waiting race before delivering the mare from off the pace late on. Top-weight Lohengrin also enters calculations along with Koniag.
Prediction : 1st Areana 2nd Lohengrin 3rd Koniag

A maiden winner on good ground at Naas last season, SHAYZANN has reached the frame in a couple of decent handicaps this term. Although well beaten on his sole previous visit to this track, that was in a Listed race and the son of Shamardal should go very close back in calmer waters. Three-time course winner Squire Danagher is sure to prove a serious threat. Andy Oliver's gelding ran well in the Red God handicap here in August, before winning on his return visit last month. A previous winner here, Burren Song arrives in good form having finished runner-up at the Curragh recently. James Ryan's 3lb claim brings him right into the equation.
Prediction : 1st Shayzann 2nd Squire Danagher 3rd Burren Song

Runner-up over course and distance last time, MISS PALOMA can go one better. The Henry De Bromhead-trained mare, who has won twice at this track, ran a solid race when just finding one too good on her most recent visit. A strong traveller, the six-year-old should get a nice tow into this race. Lightly-raced on the Flat, Eastmore has to be of interest on his first start on the Polytrack surface. Having shown little on his first few runs over hurdles for Charles Byrnes, the gelding hinted at a revival when second at Down Royal recently. Natural Ruler, who finished third in a slightly higher grade here last time, should appreciate stepping back up to this trip.
Prediction : 1st Miss Paloma 2nd Eastmore 3rd Natural Ruler