UK Horse Racing Tips: Dundalk

NORTH OCEAN could be worth chancing in this tricky optional claimer. He's a well-related sort who was backed ahead of his debut over C&D in November 2024, where he finished fourth. Obviously, there have been issues as he wasn't seen again until finishing unplaced in an extended 1m1f maiden in Ballinrobe this month, where he didn't appear to stay. He could have something to offer in this grade, though. The Liffey has been enjoying himself in claimers including when winning over C&D in mid-February and has to rate a threat. It was just four runs back that Independent Expert won a decent handicap in Naas, while Land Of The Giants is in the hunt for prize money.
Prediction : 1st North Ocean 2nd The Liffey 3rd Independent Expert

Doubtless, connections of JAMESTOWN were frustrated when he was unable to run in a decent handicap at Haydock on Saturday, where his race was abandoned. This median auction maiden is a good opportunity for him, though. He was a fair fourth on debut over C&D and then elevated his form with close-up seconds at Gowran Park and a valuable handicap at Naas. Rayzera has filled the runner-up berth at both Gowran Park and Limerick, and has to be considered. The twice-raced Nautic Star should take to this surface, while Themis is a potential improver.
Prediction : 1st Jamestown 2nd Rayzera 3rd Nautic Star

Blue Point gelding COOL AZUL showed up well when runner-up in both the Curragh and Cork. His sire's progeny have shown an aptitude for all-weather surfaces, so he ought to enjoy the transition to Polytrack. Focaccia is one to monitor for market strength as there was promise in her opening third at the Curragh. She didn't cut any ice when pitched into Listed company at Navan last month, but that does show the regard she is held in. Aughlish has performed well in all three appearances here and she should be in there pitching again, while Reposado brings plenty of experience to the race and is proven on the surface. Sparky Sparky and Beach Barbie aren't out of contention either.
Prediction : 1st Cool Azul 2nd Focaccia 3rd Aughlish

BUDDY BATT has won three of his last four races in Dundalk, including when travelling notably well in March. He didn't appear to get home on the soft ground when fifth in the Curragh in April, but he is a different proposition back here. Clonmacash won in this grade over C&D on his penultimate start and competes off just 1lb higher with Gabriella Adela Hill's 7lb claim. He's a solid yardstick in Dundalk. Collective Power lurks on a dangerous mark and is likely to travel into the race. Harry's Hill rating continues to slide and is more than capable on his day, while Arctic Steps and Lethimfly add further spice to proceedings.
Prediction : 1st Buddy Batt 2nd Clonmacash 3rd Collective Power

BELIEVED is going the right way and could strike now up in trip. From a debut fourth at this track, she progressed to finish runner-up behind a useful sort in Leopardstown. She's a half-sister to a Melbourne Cup winner, which bodes well for her first crack at 1m4f. Joseph O'Brien's Diligo is a half-brother to a Listed winner over 1m6f, so he shouldn't be stopping at the end of this distance. Cite Florale ran a cracker at 80/1 when third in a fillies' maiden at Naas and the winner franked the form with another success in Killarney. There is plenty of stamina in her pedigree, so she should relish this new trip. Minella Rockett and newcomer Werifesteria could go well.
Prediction : 1st Believed 2nd Diligo 3rd Cite Florale

EASTERN WIND made up a lot of ground to finish second over 1m5f at Leopardstown and appeals off the same mark with 7lb claimer Sadhbh Tormey retaining the ride. Jawhary is effective on Polytrack, posting three wins since December. He should also give his supporters another good run for their money. Copper Craft steps up in trip after a close third over an extended 10f here last month and represents an in-form stable. Numidia has the ability to pop up at his favourite track and shouldn't be disregarded.
Prediction : 1st Eastern Wind 2nd Jawhary 3rd Copper Craft

THEREWILLBEGLORY filled the runner-up berth in her first four outings before disappointing in fourth at Gowran Park when last seen. However, that may have been down to testing ground and, on the balance of her form, the Andrew Slattery-trained filly has fair claims. Mano Chicago and Kilcrea Rock are closely matched on official ratings. The former caught a tartar when outgunned in second at Ballinrobe and again appears to have each-way claims. The latter wasn't at his best in Roscommon but his placed form stands up to scrutiny. Ken Condon's yard has hit form and his Sron Na Caise is a possible improver switched to Polytrack.
Prediction : 1st Therewillbeglory 2nd Mano Chicago 3rd Kilcrea Rock