Dundalk preview: Jaafel can prevail over Gold Wing again

The pair contested a 10-and-a-half-furlong maiden here a fortnight ago and the selection, then having his first run for Denis Hogan, Jaafel finished two lengths in front

Wed, 16 Feb, 2022 - 05:00

Tommy Lyons

One maiden and seven handicaps for this afternoon’s meeting in Dundalk, and Jaafel can confirm previous form with Gold Wing when they renew rivalry in the fifth race, the Find Us On Facebook @DundalkStadium Maiden.

The pair contested a 10-and-a-half-furlong maiden here a fortnight ago and the selection, then having his first run for Denis Hogan, finished two lengths in front of Gold Wing. The latter was asked to go forward from the widest draw and became a little lit-up, but she stuck to her task quite well to finish third.

Jaafel was ridden a little more patiently, came through to mount a challenge to the winner, but was unable to pick up well enough inside the final furlong to overhaul Sunwalk. The drop back to a mile should suit both horses, but Jaafel looks open to that bit more improvement and is just preferred.

The lightly-raced Inishmot Prince makes plenty of each-way appeal in the seventh race, the Join Us On Instagram @Dundalk_Stadium Handicap. Tom McCourt’s four-year-old made his handicap debut here last time and ran a fine race to finish a close fourth behind Teddy Boy despite running into some trouble at the first turn.

He was drawn inside on that occasion and while he has the widest draw tonight, that can work in his favour. There were signs of greenness last time, but he is sure to have learned plenty from the experience. If he can hold a midfield position through the early stages of this race, he can come through late to give his young rider, James Ryan, a third career victory.

DUNDALK

Tommy Lyons

1:10 Kalmira

1:45 French Company

2:20 Tooreen Angel

2:55 Pachmena

3:30 Jaafel (nap)

4:00 Dubirango

4:35 Inishmot Prince (nb)

5:10 Eglish

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