Jason Weaver: Six of the best for Dundalk and Newcastle

Dundalk
6.30pm – Patrick Joseph

Patrick Joseph went off very big odds on his last five starts, prior to starting a well punted 6/4 favourite last time out at Dundalk. You couldn’t say that the team were far wrong, as after being slowly away he closed well in the final furlong and just came up half a length short. He’s stepped up a furlong to the long sprint and looks a cracking punt with multiple time champion jockey Pat Smullen on board.

7.30pm – Seahenge

Seahenge looked really good over seven furlongs on the turf when winning the Champagne Stakes at Doncaster last December. He was a big type and towards the tail end of the year that weakness started to tell in his results. His Breeders Cup Juvenile-winning stablemate Mendelssohn is the danger, but will the blinkers continue to work? That is the question mark with him.

9pm – Uncle Henry

Uncle Henry came good when beating a fairly average field on his second start over a mile and a half at this venue in January and his return in handicap company over the same course and distance was a much better effort against solid campaigners. The step up in distance here looks sure to play to his strengths and he is a lightly-raced improver.

Newcastle
7.15pm – Bollihope

Bollihope ran an absolute cracker at Newcastle last month. He was held up right at the back, when the winner poached a massive lead and routed his rivals. He also has a big jockey switch with Connor Beasley on board, but more importantly this is his second run after a wind operation. He will have gained in confidence from that last spin and with the visor on for focus today, it looks his Derby.

8.15pm – Wiff Waff

The team went for a punt on Wiff Waff a few runs back and he disappointed after which he was gelded straight away. He duly came out and bolted up on his next two starts over course and distance. He pulled far too hard last time and ruined his chance, so connections reached for the hood this time to help him relax and find a rhythm.

8.45pm – Windforpower

Windforpower is a multiple winner at Newcastle and realistically handicapped on the all-weather at present. He put up a good performance when chasing home a well-punted winner over course and distance last time. Ben Curtis, the jockey getting the leg up tonight knows him well, having won on him on a few occasions before. From eight runners, the Tracy Waggott yard has only had one winner this year, however four more have hit the board and they deserve a change of luck.