Progressive Solomon Northup set to deliver
Charles O’Brien’s American-bred Scat Daddy colt has looked progressive in this three starts, earning an official rating of 90, which should make him very difficult to beat in a polytrack maiden in mid-December.
Fifth to Hall Of Fame on his debut at Leopardstown back I July, he wasn’t seen again until late September, when he filled sixth spot (at 100/1) in the hot Curragh maiden won by subsequent Group 2 winner Ol Man River.
In his most recent start, tasting polytrack action for the first time, Solomon Northup started favourite but failed by a half-length to Great Dancer over this course and distance last month.
With that experience under his belt, Solomon Northup should prove tough to beat tonight.
Michael Halford’s Shannon Soul, fourth to Indian Tomahawk on his debut, and the Dermot Weld-trained debutant Don Camillo look the chief threat to Fran Berry’s mount.
The Jessica Harrington-trained Elusive Laurence, an eight-race maiden, produced her best display to date when runner-up to the progressive Moonmeister here last week.
Stepping-up to a mile and a half for the first time, the Lawman filly should confirm last week’s form with Headlong (two lengths away in third) and land tonight’s finale, the Dundalk Stadium On Facebook Handicap.
And Adrian Joyce’s tough mare Times In Anatefka might be capable of completing a hat-trick in the six furlong Crowne Plaza Of Dundalk Handicap.
Successful over the minimum trip in mid-November, she defied a 7lb higher mark when pipping Cottrell over an extra furlong two weeks ago and, although up another 5lb, might be capable of further success.
