James Griffin gives us his race-by-race preview this evening’s Irish racing taking place at Dundalk.
Race 1 – 17:55
DANDY SPIRIT, a smart sprinter trained by Kieran Cotter who is going for 3 in a row over course and distance with this lad. He’s still looking well-handicapped although going up a further 12lb since his last run however the booking of 7lb claimer Adam Farragher will soften this rise in weights. One that could give this horse a run for his money is James McAuley’s latest ‘Musharrif’, having changed to the Irish yard after a promising run across the pond before his arrival which could give hope that he is on his way back to winning ways.
SELECTION:- DANDY SPIRIT
Danger:- Msharrif
Race 2 – 18:30
Gavin Ryan teams up with trainer Adrian McGuinness to try win this one with RAPHAEL, Ryan and McGuinness are a proven winning partnership with major success at the Galway festival. RAPHAEL has been in form around here the last few months and should hopefully continue his success. However COMIN’ THROUGH is one that also catches the eye having won easily when he last ran over this trip therefor the Jack Davison gelding has to be feared.
SELECTION:- RAPHAEL
Danger: Comin’ Through
Race 3 – 19:00
Another partnership going for a 3 in a row is the McConnell team represented by KUDBEGOOD who has gone up a total of 9lb over his last two runs but has no reason to not be close here. Although, FARNESE showed his recent wind operation proved successful after winning here last month and with booking of top rider Colin Keane should give this gelding every chance to be first to the line.
SELECTION:- FARNESE.
Danger: Kudbegood
Race 4 – 19:30
FOREIGN LEGION has won 2 of his last 3 outings at this venue and seems to like the trip, with jockey Ross Coakley on board whom has got this mount to run best at the venue this winter he should hit the bullseye again. One to fear has to be FAAKHIRAH for Adrian McGuinness having came second here last month just denied by a horse that is 3 from 4 at the venue this winter giving Gavin Ryan’s mount every reason to be feared here.
SELECTION:- FOREIGN LEGION
Danger: Faakhirah
Race 5 – 20:00
Ted Walsh’s runner FERRYBANK hit the crossbar last time out and was also in the placings in the run before that in hotter maidens. He’s showing improvement from every run and deserves to get his head in-front this evening. One that could be considered a danger is Kieran Cotters ZEN SILENCe having run well in her last runs and with a drop in trip, smart 7lb claimer on board and with the stable being in form he has to be feared.
SELECTION:- FERRYBANK
Danger: Zen Silence
Race 6 – 20:30
SCHOLASTIC has been seen to be a smart hurdler in 2020 and made a nice return to the all-weather flat when just denied here last month, having only gone up 1lb from his last run he should have every chance here to get the job done. One that was showing improvement before unseating rider on last outing is NIBIRU, the mount of jockey Joe Doyle finished fourth here on his second-last outing and should be in the frame here.
SELECTION:- SCHOLASTIC
Danger: Nibiru
Race 7 – 21:00
Robbie Colgan’s mount GORMANSTORM has only disappointed at this venue once and has run creditable races since rallying up a trio of seconds and a win last time out however he has gone up 13lbs with only one win to show for it. Therefor my selection here has to be CHATEAU MUSAR, the 4-year-old seems to still be well handicapped after not disgracing on his last run after his win here. If he does have a bit up his sleeve he’ll be there at the finish.
SELECTION:- CHANTEAU MUSAR
Danger: Gormanstorm
Race 8 – 21:30
Having got a place closer in his last run to be just denied STARLIGHT RED is showing improvement this winter and should have enough ability to be very competitive here considering her last win was off a rating of 65, 7lbs higher than her current. One that will most certainly take Mr. Kingston’s entry on is P. Flynn’s ROMANN having run a creditable race after going up 3lbs from his win here in November and should still be off an advantaged mark here to be within the frame.
SELECTION:- STARLIGHT RED
Danger: Romann Sent
James Griffin’s selections for today:
RACE 1: DANDY SPIRIT [2]
RACE 2: RAPHAEL [7]
RACE 3:FARNESE [5]
RACE 4: FOREIGN LEGION [12]
RACE 5: FERRYBANK [4]
RACE 6: SCHOLASTIC [11]
RACE 7: CHANTEAU MUSAR [7]
RACE 8: STARLIGHT RED[6]
