This time next week will be the eve of the first Classics of the season when the likes of the Aidan O’Brien and John Gosden stables go head-to-head with some of the best-bred blueboods on the Turf.
The Flat season really starts to ramp up a gear then with Chester’s May meeting, the Dante at York, Epsom Derby and Royal Ascot all decided before we know who’ll be crowned European Champions in France.
I can’t wait but there’s business to take care of on the dirt at Dundalk first tonight.
Blood Moon, Dundalk, 6pm
Highly tried as a juvenile by trainer Ger Lyons but he’s had plenty of success only once finishing out of the first three in eight races. He’s two out of two on the all-weather at Fundalk and beat subsequent winner Washington DC here on his debut.
We know he goes well fresh and the team are hot right now too.
Split the Atom, Dundalk, 6.30pm
Pat Shanahan’s 87-rated colt is very hard to oppose on these terms. He’s very honest and runs his race over 5f, 6f or 7f. The talented Donnacha O’Brien takes 5lbs off his back and he’s been the pilot for his last three wins. He’s a short price but the winner’s enclosure beckons.
The Ring is King, Dundalk, 7pm
He won’t have it easy with Alcock and Brown looking to go back-to-back but he carries a 7lb penalty.
Paul Flynn’s colt looking nicely treated off a mark of 65 as his previous win here came off a mark of 74. He goes well fresh and the 1m 4f trip looks right up his street. Gary Halpin forced Spruce Meadows up to dead-heat with Stone Mountain here last Monday so he’ll be buzzing with confidence.
Roter Baron, Dundalk, 8.30pm
There’s not many in this have form over course and distance and his recent fourth of eight here to Our Manekineko was a good effort considering how keen he was early on. He’s drawn perfect in stall three and Kieren Fallon retains the ride. The Assassin is still hungry for winners and got Approcillias up on the line to deny Victorious Secret – and us – last week.
Fast in the Wind, Dundalk, 9pm
There’s bound to be plenty of pace here with Chester May meeting hopeful Tribal Path lining up. The selection has looked like a step up to the longer sprint distance of 7f will suit as he’s hit the line strong a few times over 6f.
He has been second four times on the dirt, but with a strong gallop to aim at he might just finally get his head in front if played late here over the extra furlong.