Dundalk preview: Lahore Da King eyeing treble

This Sands Of Mali gelding has triumphed twice over seven furlongs this winter.

Tue, 13 Jan, 2026 - 07:39

John Ryan

One of the stories of the polytrack season, the Tony Mullins-trained Lahore Da King might be capable of completing a hat-trick in the DundalkStadium.com Apprentice Handicap in Dundalk.

This Sands Of Mali gelding has triumphed twice over seven furlongs this winter, ridden on both occasions by Pakistani, 7lb. claimer Ikbal Khan, who misses the ride today due to suspension.

Promising apprentice Patrick McGettigan, who is based with Johnny Murtagh, takes over and can expect a good spin as Lahore Da King steps up in trip and attempts to defy the handicapper.

The selection won off 50 in early December, outpointing Manhattan Dandy, and followed-up a week later off a 7lb. high mark, this time getting the better of Profit Surge by a half-length.

Today, he must race off 65, which will make life tougher. But, due to his regular partner’s style, it’s hard to know how much he had in hand when scoring the last twice and, on that basis, there might be more to come from him.

In a competitive 0-70 contest, Lahore Da King gets the vote over Moyassr and Daonethatgotaway.

Young Donegal man McGettigan also has obvious prospects on the consistent This Guy in the Join On Instagram @dunaalk_stadium Race.

Trained by Danny Murphy, already off the mark for 2026, This Guy is an eight-race maiden but has been placed in his three starts for his current handler.

Beaten a nose by Kc Bear in a nursery on his penultimate start, the Blue Point gelding tried to make all in a maiden last time, but was brushed aside late by the promising Midnight Dusk.

Rated 74, This Guy is overdue a breakthrough and has every chance here against some interesting, unexposed rivals. McGettigan’s 7lb. claim might give him the edge.

Gelded since his only start, in a Killarney maiden back in May, Joseph O’Brien’s Dancingondiamonds makes plenty of appeal in the opening Irishinjuredjockeys.com Apprentice Maiden.

Very green in Killarney, he plugged on late to finish fifth behind Gun Carriage and, returning after a length break, with Hugh Horgan in the saddle, he won’t have to be a star to beat his eight rivals.

SELECTIONS

John Ryan

1.30. Danindondiamonds

2.00. Lahore Da King (Nap)

2.30. Apiary

3.00. Mount Ruapehu

3.30. This Guy (n.b.)

4.00. Battleforsupremacy

4.35. Mapa

5.10. Storm Eric

Next Best

1.30. Soaring Sun