Spring has sprung but you’d be forgiven for not realising. All weather tracks serve a real purpose during cold snaps like this one where many jumps fixtures have been called off. Cheltenham anticipation is heightened through boring weeks for racing lovers. The prospect of four fantastic day’s racing in early March, some warmth and light keeps us going. Friday night at Dundalk never lets us down however.
It’s only over a month to Cheltenham, and three months to the Guineas in Newmarket. That’s the timeframe Ballydoyle is working off. The battalion of blue bloods are sure to be going through their paces under the watchful eye of Aidan O’Brien, whatever the weather. The champion trainer has two significant entries this week; Song of Love and Bishan Bedi. It’s hard to imagine either of them beat after impressive recent displays despite not winning. Up in trip Song of Love should break the maiden tag while the tremendously unlucky in running Bishan Bedi should make amends with a clear run in the mile handicap. They will be prohibitively priced though and I’ll try and dig a little deeper to find a fair priced winner.
Pencil Hill is an interesting runner in the sprint handicap, the first race on the card. Tracey Collins has a fine record at Dundalk, Indian Landing obliging last week and her 10yo starts his 2015 campaign here. The acclamation gelding has a good record fresh; winning first time out, on his first start in 2012 and 2013 at Dundalk. Down to his lowest rating of 72 since winning here three years ago he appeals in a race where the form is starting to look stagnant between the winter regulars. Pencil Hill ran well last summer in defeat. An exceptional eye-catcher behind Tylery Wonder up the Curragh in August and only beaten a 1.5l on his last run when on the wrong side of the track off 76.
The 6f maiden looks terrible race for those that have run and we don’t how good the unraced Halford entry is. Cutting Corners is the selection after her somewhat promising debut behind Dark Alliance here in November. A never nearer 3rd that day, the 2nd and 4th; Balmont Blast and Robin’s Choice have since won maidens here upped in trip. The Mulvany mare was slow away first time out, squeezed back on the run to the first bend but was noticeable coming home well from an unpromising position. Have a Great Day sets the standard but hasn’t been seen for a while and was regressive then. Cutting Corners may provide an each way alternative at a price.
The 7f apprentice handicap looks very difficult to solve at entry stage. Horses I like may well take each other on up front in a pace duel include Alfaayza, Enigma Code and Tom Dooley and hence I’m not as keen on them. They all have ability to win a race like this if things fall right. The selection though is Elusive in Paris. So elusive is the 6yo he’s escaped the winners circle since 2012 though threatening to win on numerous occasions. Apprentice handicaps are ideal for this horse as he doesn’t really respond to a strong drive anyway. Pace to run at should suit this bridle merchant and a significant drop in class from the last day may be the necessary ingredients for a long awaited success.
Song of Love will be near impossible to beat in the mile maiden. Hat Alnasar may be an each way alternative though after a fine debut for maiden maestro Mick Halford. The Moss Vale colt was slowly away and to the rear behind Charlie Bear on his only start. He did good late work down the straight under hands and heels riding finishing 6th to suggest that the next day he would improve a lot for the run. Halfords runners when weak in the betting first time out and run well strike me as horses that will improve a lot for the experience. He showed enough ability late on then to say he’ll get involved here, Sheeba and Period Piece has upheld the form since.
Elsewhere on the card it will be interesting to see whether Ger Lyons works the oracle with Prairie Rose in the mile mares maiden. She looked a difficult ride in the UK, very keen sort who won’t be helped by front running Singapore Secret in the line-up. I’d like to see Maontri bounce back to form to give Bishan Bedi a race in the 8.35. The last provides a familiar match-up between Sharjah and Ned’s Indian, Dundalk’s answer to Grundy and Bustino.
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