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5.00pm – Fridtjof Nansen
The 7lb claim of Sam Ewing once again catches my eye this week at Dundalk with the young jockey riding FRIDTJOF NANSEN in this 1m handicap. The Kieran Cotter-trained runner has only one career victory to his name, but has run well on several occasions at this track in recent months. He finished third over course and distance in early December, before chasing home Irish Acclaim two weeks ago.
The son of Kyllachy runs off a rating of 75 with the allowance of Ewing playing the key-factor to challenge at the business end of this contest. Elsewhere, Behind The Wall should improve for his Irish debut last week with Colin Keane booked, while Merchant Of Venice, Bobby K, Turbo Command and Will Be King all have chances to reach the frame.
6.00pm – Sideshow Bob
Several of the principal runners in the second division of this 1m handicap are drawn wide, which points me towards SIDESHOW BOB for victory. The Sheila Lavery-trained runner wasn’t beaten far in two efforts over course and distance since dropping down in trip last November. The daughter of Big Bad Bob has dropped down to a rating of 56 and can find a good position early under jockey Robbie Colgan and challenge for victory.
Danny Sheehy takes off 5lbs to help the chances of recent winner Emphatic with Red Heel another horse looking for back-to-back victories for Mick Mulvany. Elsewhere, Overtake can’t be discounted with Adam Farragher taking off 7lbs, while Porterinthejungle and Majestic Matriarch are others with good each-way chances.
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6.30pm – Star Harbour (NB)
This maiden looks a match between Visualisation for Joseph O’Brien and the Adrian McGuinness-trained STAR HARBOUR, who met here 11-days ago over course and distance. The O’Brien runner already had the benefit of a run last November but could only finish third on his latest start behind The Highway Rat. A case can be made for Star Harbour, an expensive son of Sea The Stars who finished fifth to reverse the form with the O’Brien runner today.
The mount of Gavin Ryan was short for room when making his challenge 2f from home before staying on nicely, only beaten by one-and-a-half lengths behind his main rival today. The Phoenix Thoroughbred runner once cost €400,000 and can win with O’Brien’s second-string, Devil’s Outlaw, chasing them home in third place.
7.00pm – Lovely Esteem (NAP)
LOVELY ESTEEM stands out as the best bet on the Dundalk card this Friday evening with Joseph O’Brien’s filly more than capable of winning this 7f maiden. The form of her fourth-place finish on debut at Leopardstown last July stands out extremely well with the second, third, fifth and sixth horses all winning plenty of races since. Talacre claimed her maiden for Ger Lyons at Gowan Park in September with Willow for Aidan O’Brien gaining success at Leopardstown in October.
The Jessica Harrington-trained fifth, Fly Girl also managed a victory in Foxrock last August with the Jim Bolger-trained Verbal Fencing winning two nurseries at Down Royal and Naas last September. Lovely Esteem, who holds entries in both the Irish Guineas and Irish Oaks, can improve from her break to progress nicely here and break her maiden with Bella Coaster and Ciao Naw chasing her home for second and third.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widget, while in-copy odds are accurate at time of publication but subject to change
Dundalk bet summary – Friday, January 22
5.00pm – Fridtjof Nansen
6.00pm – Sideshow Bob
6.30pm – Star Harbour (NB)
7.00pm – Lovely Esteem (NAP)
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