Course and distance ideal for Dahindar
A horse who is clearly at his best on this surface, he is currently in the form of his life. The selection was a little unlucky at Dundalk last time.
Dahindar didn’t enjoy a clear run two furlongs down and then finished with a real flourish to be beaten three parts of a length into second by another course specialist, Banna Boirche, who is also in the line-up.
That contest was run over seven furlongs, Banna Boirche’s ideal trip, while Dahindar had shown in the past that today’s mile is what he wants. Lynam’s gelding rates the nap and, at worst, looks a knocking each-way wager.
Joseph O’Brien will begin the day four behind Gary Carroll and Ben Curtis, in his bid for the apprentice title, but has real possibilities of narrowing the gap.
Alexander Pope looks his best chance in the Christmas Parties At Dundalk Race over a mile. Trained by his father, Aidan, it is a minor worry the son of Danehill Dancer hasn’t run for 125 days.
He would hardly be risked if all wasn’t well, however, and Alexander Pope’s short had defeat of subsequent winner, A Word Apart, at Leopardstown in early August gives him a big edge in this class.
O’Brien can also guide Tony Martin’s Pires to success in the Group Bookings At Dundalk Stadium Race.
He was a bit disappointing when failing to deliver for Kieren Fallon at Wolverhampton, but has plenty going for him in this five-horse affair.
Pirate Chest, in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Maiden, is another strong candidate for O’Brien, but the Montjeu colt has proved costly to follow and is passed over.
Preference is for Ger Lyons’ progressive One Up One Down, a promising third behind Tommy Stack’s imposing newcomer, Mutahadee, and Asheerah here last month.
