Dundalk Racecourse: Preview and tips for tonight’s eight-race meeting

Racing returns to Dundalk tonight with another competitive all-weather card, consisting of eight races; a maiden, a claimer and six handicaps.

Read on for a preview of and tips for the Dundalk card, brought to you by BetBrothers.

The opener is an apprentice claiming race run over an extended 10 furlongs (17.00). There isn’t a huge spread of good recent form on show here, but Sherekiya has some of the best available from this year and she is among the higher rated contenders here.

Tyson Fury is a course and distance winner whose rider gives him seven pounds, and he should be able to win this.

Next is a six-furlong maiden (17.30). Cape Blue Point is the only newcomer here and the market will best indicate on her.

Stablemate Palmeira, who has prominent connections, is the highest rated of those running here and steps back into maiden company having been running in black-type races.

This will be much easier, and she has had a break. Otsana is less exposed and might have more to offer, so is possibly the main danger.

A seven-furlong nursery handicap follows (18.00). This That is the only runner here who has previously won a race, having broken his maiden last time out at Navan.

He carries topweight now, which may allow the likes of Ballydoyle first string Lake Lugano to creep into the win, or possibly Hip Hop Chrissy with a claiming rider in the saddle.

Race four is the first division of a seven-furlong handicap (18.30). Go Out is popular in the betting, stepping back up in trip after running over an inadequate six furlongs lately and is on a very attractive mark now.

Top Biller has a 10-pound claiming rider onboard and looks handicapped to place now, and ought to be able to handle this step up in trip.

In the second division (19.00), Gordon Elliott’s Boston Max makes plenty of appeal with a 10-pound claimer in the saddle, on the same mark as when a good third of 14 over course and distance last time.

He is drawn wide, though, which might be tricky. Dervo Annie has had a bit of a break and look of interest, while Lady Landhort could be worth considering for a place, after some good performances lately.

Another seven-furlong handicap follows (19.30). Ocean’s Breath has the market and is a consistent sort who has every right to go well again, but hasn’t historically been at his best carrying topweight.

Exquisite Acclaim may, therefore, be a better choice after some similarly consistent performances this term. Howd’yadoit also warrants consideration for the placings.

Second to last is an extended 10-furlong handicap (20.00). Eastern Peace is tempting, even as favourite, due to a new low mark, good recent form and the innermost draw. Tribal Moon has been backed today and could be in line for a place. He is given a handy five pounds by his rider.

Last of all is another handicap over the same trip (20.30). This is an open-looking race but Quatre Bras is a worthy favourite after a recent course and distance win.

He should have few excuses here, but Rock Of Claremont makes his handicap debut after some very promising maiden runs and he might have more to offer now.

Dundalk selections - Friday:

17.00 - Tyson Fury

17.30 - Palmeira

18.00 - Lake Lugano

18.30 - Go Out, Top Biller e/w

19.00 - Lady Landhort e/w

19.30 - Exquisite Acclaim, Howd’yadoit e/w

20.00 - Eastern Peace

20.30 - Rock Of Claremont