UK Horse Racing Tips: Dundalk

Having followed up a breakthrough victory at Tipperary with a respectable fifth in a 21-runner sprint at Naas, Ballysax Lil' Mick merits respect in his current vein of form. However, RIFT VALLEY was a couple of positions in front of him at Naas and then found herself with too much to do when fifth at Lingfield. Sean Davis' filly edges the vote, with last year's winner Hero Of The Hour the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Rift Valley 2nd Ballysax Lil Mick 3rd Hero Of The Hour

VALIANT FORCE won three times over a variety of trips here last winter and has carried big weights when runner-up on his latest two starts at this venue. The son of Malibu Moon meets Eclairage on 20lb better terms for a two-length beating over C&D in July. Black Forza won the Group 2 Richmond Stakes at Goodwood last year, but needs to bounce back after struggling on his belated seasonal debut at the Curragh. Songhai had American import Fandom a length and a half behind when fourth to Grande Marques at Tipperary, but Joseph O'Brien's charge may reverse the form with that run under his belt.
Prediction : 1st Valiant Force 2nd Black Forza 3rd Fandom

IPANEMA QUEEN has gained both wins at the Curragh, including when showing good speed throughout over this trip to land a Listed race in August, with Namiid over four lengths behind in third and Jack The Bachelor and Rosie Frith in rear. She may have been unsuited by soft ground at Ayr last time. Controlled took a big step forward from his debut when fitted with blinkers to win a Naas maiden, beating Aegina by three lengths, and has plenty of scope for improvement. Sirius A went close in the Group 3 Sirenia Stakes over 6f at Kempton and now tries this trip for the first time. Howd'yadoit is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Ipanema Queen 2nd Controlled 3rd Sirius A

PRINCESS SIOUX showed promise when fifth behind Caught U Sleeping over this trip at Naas and appeared to find a mile too far subsequently at Punchestown. The daughter of Sioux Nation now tackles handicap company for the first time off a mark of 72 and the booking of Nicola Burns adds to confidence. Sovereign Thought appreciated the step up to 7f when taking a Down Royal nursery in decisive fashion and rates an obvious threat. The Donnacha O'Brien-trained gelding had Darwin's Angel (now 7lb better off) about two lengths behind in fourth, while A La Dure and Femme Beauty are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Princess Sioux 2nd Sovereign Thought 3rd Darwins Angel

ANDAB scored impressively on debut at the Curragh back in May and has held his form well since, including when fourth behind Gstaad in the Coventry Stakes. The Joseph O'Brien-trained colt filled the runner-up spot last time in a Group 3 over this trip at Deauville. Riding arrangements suggest Straight Up, who made a winning debut at the Listowel Festival, is preferred of Aidan O'Brien's pair and he could have plenty of scope for improvement. Stablemate Moments Of Joy was placed in the Chesham at Royal Ascot and runner-up in a Group 3 over a mile at the Curragh last time.
Prediction : 1st Andab 2nd Straight Up 3rd Moments Of Joy

Runner-up on her only previous start at this track, SENTI QUA can go one better. A lightly-raced daughter of Sumbal, the Ken Condon-trained filly is unexposed on an artificial surface and might be capable of better. Ocean Manifest improved on his initial run for Stephen Thorne when just touched off last time. While the form of that race is nothing special, he does at least appear to be going the right way. Starspangled Dream is also noted.
Prediction : 1st Senti Qua 2nd Ocean Manifest 3rd Starspangled Dream

If her wide draw doesn't prove an inconvenience, AVIATRICE can register a second course win. Off the mark in her maiden here last November, the David Marnane-trained filly has been ultra consistent in recent starts. A progressive filly when last seen, the Donnacha O'Brien-trained Whispersinthewind has to be respected. Victorious in her last two outings, the Churchill filly could have more to offer. Fairyhouse maiden winner Shakazia also holds claims.
Prediction : 1st Aviatrice 2nd Whispersinthewind 3rd Shakazia