Will Reilly marks your card for Dundalk
Lady luck might play its part in the last two races on what is a competitive card at Dundalk on Friday night, with one of the races being sponsored by Dundalk Institute of Technology’s Students Union.
Eacharn’s Cheek Can Prove Crucial
5:30pm: Dundalk Stadium Claiming Race, 6 furlongs
There aren’t too many with obvious chances in the opener. Captain Power, Ar Saoirse, Heir Of Excitement and Marylebone would hold claims if turning back the clock a little. Heir Of Excitement and Marylebone are running for Joseph O’Brien for the first time.
On recent form, Piper Bomb and Eacharn come right into things, while Seanie is not the force of old but Forza Libranno can run well dropping to claiming company for the first time.
In first-time cheek-pieces, though, an old favourite, Eacharn (5/1), is given another chance.
Gold Strike
6pm: Dundalk Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium Nursery Handicap, 6 furlongs
Nurseries tend to be head-scratchers and this one is no different. The percentage call to run well is Gold Jasmine (15/2).
Love Is In The Air
6:30pm: Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction Maiden, 7 furlongs (for two-year-olds)
Vhagar and Lottieloveheart provide the benchmarks for the form of the race. The latter is fully entitled to her supporters but, as with all maidens, there are a number of unknown quantities.
These come in the shape of debutante Libras Power plus Royal Court and Jungle Jungle, who both showed promise on their debuts.
The shortlist would consist of Lottieloveheart, Vhagar, Libras Power, and Royal Court.
Given the level of form she has achieved, Lottieloveheart (6/4) gets the nod.
Safe Arbour
7pm: DKIT Students Union Handicap, 7 furlongs
A typically-competitive Dundalk handicap in which you can build a case for a few, particularly if rediscovering their best form of the last year or so. However, six-time Dundalk winner Arbourfield (15/2) is now rated four-pounds lower than when winning this race last year and a pipe-opener last Friday should have put him in good shape for a good run this year.
Successful Voyage
7:30pm: Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium Handicap, Division 1, one mile
There are a few that can have cases built for them but the vote goes to Voyageofdiscovery (7/2), whose form has been solid enough of late and he may enjoy returning to Dundalk for the first time in 19 months.
Say Yes To No
8pm: Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium Handicap, Division 2, one mile
I found myself being able to build cases for a number of the runners, including the lightly-raced Little Camacho, the first-time visored Dream Sleep and, based on his best form, Mountain Fox. Villa Maria, who will be trying Dundalk’s surface for the first time, also got some thought.
However, No Way Jack (9/1) could be returning to Dundalk on a fair rating and, having needed his latest run, which came after a break, he looks poised to run well from his good draw.
Lady First
8:30pm: Irishinjuredjockeys.com Handicap, Division 1, 10 furlongs and 150 yards
Lady de Vesci will be popular following her solid win here last time, when beating Sleepy Head, who won tonight’s race last year from a three-pound lower rating than tonight.
If looking for an alternative then Saint Irini and the unexposed pair, Too Precious and Dromana, might give you a run for your money.
However, Lady de Vesci (11/2) could still be well handicapped and can score again.
Lady First In Lucky Last
9pm: Irishinjuredjockeys.com Handicap, Division 2, 10 furlongs and 150 yards
Aunt Audrey arrives here in good heart, Shadow Seven is a potential improver and attracted money last time, Lady Kimberley is another potential improver, Misty Dawn might improve for the application of cheek-pieces and Spanish Soprano (if getting into the race as she is first reserve) could go well.
Overall, though, I’ll take a chance on Lady Kimberley (13/2), who could improve for tonight’s step up in trip.
Verdict
Eacharn nb, 5/1
Lottieloveheart 6/4
Arbourfield nap, 15/2
Lady de Vesci 11/2