Take Heart can recoup recent losses at Dundalk

The grey six-year-old won three times for Johnny Murtagh, including a notable success, off 95, in the ultra-competitive Chesterfield Cup at Goodwood in the summer of 2024.

Wed, 11 Feb, 2026 - 06:43

John Ryan

Take Heart might make it third-time-lucky for Stephen Thorne by defying top-weight in today’s Dundalk finale, the View Restaurant At Dundalk Stadium Handicap.

The grey six-year-old won three times for Johnny Murtagh, including a notable success, off 95, in the ultra-competitive Chesterfield Cup at Goodwood in the summer of 2024 — before failing to make an impact in three starts for David Menusier in England.

Bought by Thorne for 29,000 Guineas on behalf of Shamrock Thoroughbreds in Newmarket last October, Take Heart has shaped with promise in his two starts for his new connections.

He made his stable debut for Thorne here before Christmas and, after a tardy start, stayed on late to finish fourth, beaten two lengths behind Genoah.

On the back of that solid effort, Take Heart started 5/4 favourite for a mile and a half handicap — his second attempt at the longer trip — here 12 days ago.

He again dwelt in the stalls, encountered some traffic problems while weaving through the field early in the straight, before challenging and having every chance at the furlong-pole.

But his effort petered out in the last hundred yards and he had to settle for third spot, beaten a head and a half-length, behind Genoah and San Andreas.

A beaten favourite in his two starts for the Thorne team, Take Heart should be suited by this drop back to an extended 10 furlongs and, on that basis, gets the nod over three-time course and distance winner The Real Screamer.

Trained by Paul Flynn, The Real Screamer bolted up here two weeks ago, beating Trishuli River by three lengths.

He’s up 8lb on the back of that smooth success and merits plenty of respect. However, Take Heart looks potentially well-treated and might recoup recent losses.

Joseph O’Brien should continue his solid winter strike-rate with Dusty Rock in the opening, six-furlong Group Deals Available At Dundalk Maiden.

Sixth to Oh Cecilia on her debut in Cork back in May, this Starspangledbanner filly returned after a lengthy absence two weeks ago and shaped with promise, chasing home Pass Me If You Can in a five-furlong maiden, with Bye Bye Now (reopposes) back in fourth.

That comeback run should leave Dusty Rock spot-on for today’s task and, stepping-up to six furlongs, she should score under Joey Sheridan — who also has obvious claims on Denis Hogan’s top-weight Tatateo in the two-mile Dundalk Winter Series Leading Trainer & Jockey Championship Handicap.

This five-year-old, successful over hurdles in Cork early last month, cruised to a smooth success over this course and distance on Friday night, beating San Andreas by three lengths.

A 7lb penalty might not prevent Hogan’s charge form following-up in a field which includes another last-time-out scorer Gallo Dell Cielo.

SELECTIONS

1.38. Dusty Rock

2.08. Sovereign Banter

2.38. Tatateo

3.08. Neon Eyes

3.38. Beau Army

4.08. Ben Lawers (n.b.)

4.38. Jawhary

5.12. Take Heart (Nap)

Next Best

1.38. Bye Bye Now