“The Place where optimism most flourishes is the lunatic asylum”

The racing may not be of a great quality this Friday in Dundalk but each race is a puzzle and to solve them is not only satisfying but you can win a few quid too. It’s the hope that kills.

Henry Havelock Eliss was a famous British Physician, writer and social reformer. That’s one of his quotes at the top. The horse that was named after him won his 3^rd race of the winter series last Friday. Havelock Eliss has been a revelation for trainer Johnny Levins. In his 7 runs since September 7^th in Dundalk he’s won three, been second twice, was third and fell once. There are valid excuses for his defeats; either drawn wide, Ronan Whelan admitting not knowing the horse when second to Sharjah and inexplicably falling in a flat race. The 5yo gelding has risen from 48 to 71 in the ratings. A remarkable horse with a defining trait of looking beat all ends up at the top of the straight, but managing to pull it out of the bag where it matters on the line.

This week Whaileyy attempts to join Havelock Ellis with 3 wins in the 6f handicap. The trip is on the sharp side but it’s hard to rule out the hat-trick with the scintillating form of trainer, horse and jockey. UK trainer Tony Carroll has five entries on Friday; the most interesting of them is Innoko who was an unlucky 5^th last time out in Lingfield.  Trainers coming across the Irish Sea have had plenty of success this year on the flat in Ireland; Sir Maximillian and Pelerin in Dundalk and Brian Ellison in Galway spring to mind. Another sub plot may be the Dermot Weld ex-trained Enzani taking on his current charge Kaleefa in the 12f maiden. The Kierans recent purchase stayed on promisingly in Navan on his debut and could be another winner for John McConnell whose string are going through a purple patch.

Rest Assured was an eye-catching 3^rd last time out over 7f and looks a fair bet to win the 6f Nursery. She was ridden patiently off a steady gallop, giving first run to her rivals but finished best. I’d expect the Deegan trained filly to be ridden more prominently, the danger may lie in one of the Marnane entries, a trainer who’s exceptionally patient with his 2yo’s. Whatever Tommy Stack runs in the fillies mile maiden I’d respect as the Tipperary handler has 3 entries to choose from and he knows what it takes to win such a race. Johnny Murtagh’s once rated 106 filly Chicago Girl is regressive and merits taking on. Eretara was dreadfully unlucky to fall when tanking here a fortnight ago 2f from home, a race Havelock Ellis won. If the Shane Donoghue trained mare isn’t too uneasy after her recent fall, a generous draw and luck in running should see her bang there in the mile apprentice handicap. Manorov is the horse I’m looking forward to most this week. A non-runner last Friday, he has caught the eye last twice now, staying on well despite wide trips and showing immaturity. The lightly raced gelding has been dropped 5lb in two starts, though his 5^th behind Sharjah now reads great as 2^nd and 3^rd Havelock Ellis and Minot Street have both won twice since, and Stynes fourth that day was 2^nd on Friday. Doux Douce would be fancied if finding the other division of the 12f handicap and avoiding the well handicapped McCourt runner.