UK Horse Racing Tips: Dundalk

SPORTING HERO has to be of interest dropping into a claimer. It was only in July that he was competing in a quality 5f handicap at this venue (beaten just over five lengths in seventh). He has an excellent record in Dundalk with four victories, including a couple over this trip. Velvet Skies got back to winning ways in a handicap at Navan and has plenty of Polytrack form in Dundalk to advertise his chance. He delivered in a handicap over C&D in March and represents an in-form team. Four-time Chelmsford City winner Agostino has a chance on his Irish debut, while Lismacbryan Hill has place prospects.
Prediction : 1st Sporting Hero 2nd Velvet Skies 3rd Agostino

WHITE SMOKE could take a bit of beating if adapting to the surface. She holds a rating of 84 and receives weight from all bar one of her rivals. There were excuses when she was a beaten favourite in fifth in Navan and her two runner-up berths in Curragh maidens before that merit plenty of respect. My Cubby Bear drops back in trip on her first visit to Dundalk after weakening into sixth in the closing stages over 7f at the Curragh. She is likely to improve upon that finish. Allsortz has a lot of experience to call upon and, with best finishes of fourth in Fairyhouse and Bellewstown, ought to be involved. Navan third Velvet Reign is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st White Smoke 2nd My Cubby Bear 3rd Allsortz

This could be the day for LOCAL LAD to make the breakthrough. When he began his career with a close fourth in a Group 3 at the Curragh last year behind the top-class Arizona Blaze and Camille Pissarro, you would have got big odds on him being a maiden at this stage. There have been good placed efforts since and he didn't run badly in fourth in a conditions race on the all-weather at Kempton in March. Beautiful Affair has previously shown ability on the Polytrack and Julian Pietropaolo's 7lb claim has her weighted to be competitive against Local Lad. She gets first-time blinkers. Ready To Mingle is related to all-weather winners and is a potential improver.
Prediction : 1st Local Lad 2nd Beautiful Affair 3rd Ready To Mingle

One Cool Bear showed marked improvement in second over 6f at this track last month. That brings him into contention, although his three previous runs over this trip have seen him finish unplaced so he doesn't come without risk. BADGER'S COVE was claimed after finishing a decent third in a Fairyhouse claimer in September. He tries Polytrack for the first time as he starts out for Denis Hogan and should be at home over this trip. Sup Of Red isn't running badly and has a shot at prize money, while Enthusiastically is a well-bred filly who is tried in new headgear in a bid to spark improvement.
Prediction : 1st Badgers Cove 2nd One Cool Bear 3rd Sup Of Red

A very competitive contest for the grade. IRISH RUMOUR is on an appealing mark reverting to Polytrack after being pipped by a nose at Fairyhouse. Wellwhatshappenin stayed on well to win on stable debut over C&D last month and a 5lb rise shouldn't be insurmountable now that he has got his head in front for the first time. Nikki Swango was a ready winner over C&D last week, which led to her being hit with an 11lb hike by the assessor. She travelled well before putting her rivals away, so is one to respect. There is one of these races in Eric Lock, while Nammos is another for the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Irish Rumour 2nd Wellwhatshappenin 3rd Nikki Swango

INSTANT APPEAL made a bright start to life with Stephen Thorne when third over C&D last month. Previously, he ran eight times for Jessica Harrington and it looks notable that her stable jockey Shane Foley, who knows him well, comes in for the ride. Finsceal Annie was a solid second over this trip last week and Declan McDonogh, who has a good record on her, is on board again. Vlhova is in a consistent vein of form, which brings her into the equation, while Darkdeserthighway got back to winning ways over 7f at this venue recently. Everylittlestep isn't out of it on this drop back in trip.
Prediction : 1st Instant Appeal 2nd Finsceal Annie 3rd Vlhova

BARRETSTOWN won over C&D in September and is effectively just 1lb higher with Jack Cleary taking 5lb off his back. He has actually won two of his last four races in Dundalk, which is strong form in this contest. First-time blinkers brought about marked improvement in Blackjack Hills, who delivered over an extended mile in Gowran Park. He makes his Polytrack debut and is one to take seriously, especially if strong in the market. Deluca Chop hasn't appeared at this venue for some time but could grab a cheque, while Georg Zhukov should have more horses behind him than in front.
Prediction : 1st Barretstown 2nd Blackjack Hills 3rd Deluca Chop

PORSCHE LAD's three runs in Dundalk read '123' and he could motor his way to another success. It was this trip he won over and he remains on a competitive mark. A good run from Barretstown in the preceding race on the card would bode well for Limestone Red, who finished fourth behind him in September. Sam Coen claims 7lb aboard Kodi Brown, who has been placed in two of her last three races on turf so she is certainly of interest. Jawhary is a longstanding maiden in Ireland but is a contender, while Rising Sky isn't generally beaten overly far and tries a new trip.
Prediction : 1st Porsche Lad 2nd Limestone Red 3rd Kodi Brown