UK Horse Racing Tips: Dundalk

There looks to be an abundance of pace here with the likes of last year's winner Eclairage, Rosie Frith and Ipanema Queen in the line-up, and those at the head of affairs might just compromise their own chances. Perhaps four-time C&D winner THE HIGHWAY RAT can be the beneficiary after a good run at Navan last month where he was nearest at the finish after a tardy start. Howd'yadoit beat Eclairage at Navan in May and is another who likes to track the speed, although it's interesting that Ger Lyons has only raced him once on the all-weather. Final Melody was progressive over C&D last year and makes her seasonal debut.
Prediction : 1st The Highway Rat 2nd Howdyadoit 3rd Final Melody

A winner over C&D in February, IFF IN DOUBT can register a second success. He was a creditable fifth in a big-field contest at the Curragh in May and will be suited by stepping back up to this trip. Kc Bear won over 6f here during the winter and was runner-up over a mile on his latest visit in March. He's run two good races on turf since, and probably found an extended 1m too far last time. Reimagined lacks consistency, but a repeat of her third at Fairyhouse in May would see her involved on all-weather debut. She has been tried in a variety of headgear, but goes without any aids this time.
Prediction : 1st Iff In Doubt 2nd Kc Bear 3rd Reimagined

OUTLAW MAN is putting together a solid portfolio of work over C&D and could make the breakthrough. A debut fifth can be marked up as he was checked before keeping on well. He then built upon that to chase home Goldinthesea and was far from outclassed in fifth in a valuable contest latest. Krasimir has been placed five times on turf and sets the standard with a mark of 84 on his first visit to the Polytrack. Rock Of Claremont finished fifth on debut in a Curragh maiden and is likely to take a step forward in this race, while My Shayla and Carry The Dream are newcomers that have winners in their pedigree.
Prediction : 1st Outlaw Man 2nd Krasimir 3rd Rock Of Claremont

BELLA COLOMBIA and Billy Lee overcame a wide draw when successful over C&D in March and have a shot at repeating the feat. The five-year-old mare arrives in good form after filling the runner-up spot over an extended mile at Fairyhouse at the start of July. Captain Ciano missed the break at Bellewstown and did well to finish fifth considering the circumstances. An opening mark of 60 might prove to be workable and he is respected. Micasso popped up at a big price at Bellewstown and could have found his groove, so has to enter calculations. Orla Tynan has conjured three victories from Kitty Bear who should be in there pitching, while Rockbury Lad is capable but slow starts continue to trouble him.
Prediction : 1st Bella Colombia 2nd Captain Ciano 3rd Micasso

CELTIC DRUID has plenty going for him in this apprentice handicap. The Churchill gelding won handicaps over C&D in March and April and showed that an elevated mark wasn't beyond him when a close third in the Apprentice Derby at the Curragh. There was promise in Sonny Corleone's fourth at Down Royal on stable debut for Gordon Elliott. He is interesting up in trip as his half-sister won twice over C&D. Baila Conmigo goes well in Dundalk and Jack Kearney is a good booking for him. He's just 3lb higher than his last winning mark at this track.
Prediction : 1st Celtic Druid 2nd Sonny Corleone 3rd Baila Conmigo

This looks a good opportunity for REYNIR to get his head in front. Johnny Murtagh's charge was placed in his last couple of appearances and lost out in second after a protracted battle in Navan, with the front pair clear of the remainder. He's proven over this trip and gets first-time cheekpieces. Let's Smash It has been off since finishing a close second in a maiden over 1m at this venue in December. He has to rate a danger if fully wound-up for his return to action over a longer trip. Police Gazette could make no impression in third behind a wide-margin winner over 1m4f here in May, and a tongue-strap and blinkers are applied.
Prediction : 1st Reynir 2nd Lets Smash It 3rd Police Gazette

A drop in trip could reap rewards for DUVESSA. Joseph O'Brien's filly was placed over further in Roscommon and Down Royal, and there are plenty of winners in her pedigree from 7f up to an extended 1m3f. Forthill is only rated 1lb inferior to the selection and she had two promising runs when second at Killarney and third at the Curragh on testing ground at the end of last season. She was below par on her return to action at Bellewstown in April but could readily bounce back. Tequila has switched to Robson De Aguiar after eight races in Britain, which yielded a best finish of third in Newmarket. Improvement will be needed, but she has joined a shrewd outfit.
Prediction : 1st Duvessa 2nd Forthill 3rd Tequila