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18:35 Dundalk We start tonight’s action over in Ireland with a fourteen runner handicap. It’s got some decent runners in here that all have good form over the course. If you’ve read any of my previous articles you’ll know how big a fan of trainer Tracey Collins I am and she saddles top weight Captains Dilemma. The horse won this race last year and showed it still retains a tonne of ability when finishing second at the course last time out. It’s going to be difficult being saddled with top weight but connections aim to counteract that by booking promising amateur jockey Phillip Donovan who takes off a good seven pounds. The horses chances are also helped by being given a decent draw in stall five. Notable dangers are likely to come from Tsar Paul who loves it around here and the proverbial bridesmaid Fairy Foxglove. It may also be worth noting that Danequest comes over to Ireland and has the privilege of Kevin Manning in the saddle so is the one I fear the most. Captains Dilemma (E/W if 9/2+)
20:15 Wolverhampton Heading over to Wolverhampton for our only race from the Midlands track tonight. As with the first pick I’m going for another top weight. I tipped Cayuga when it ran last time and was mightily unlucky when not getting a gap and having to go the long way round into the final furlong and looked like a sure fire winner if it wasn’t so unfortunate. It could be argued that this race seems much more competitive than the rivals it had in it’s last race but I’m not overly concerned as I think the lightly raced six year old should have more improvement left to come. The James Tate trained favourite Sbraase needs to be feared with course wins to it’s name. The four year old is mightily consistent and will definitely be there or thereabouts but if Cayuga remains an each way price it’ll be worth taking on the head of the market. Cayuga (E/W if 9/2+)
21:05 Dundalk Our third and final horse comes in the last at Dundalk in an amateur riders handicap. With the marathon two mile trip in front of the ten runners notable jumps trainers: De Bromhead, Elliot and Harrington send their charges over the flat all-weather course. That being said however I’m going against them and siding with the only course and distance winner in the race. Havelock Ellis is pretty inconsistent but is a horse that is familiar with this challenge and has won against better opposition than this previously and should go close. If Mountain Kingdom can improve on it’s third placed finish last time then it should also be in the mix and looks the one with the most to fear. Havelock Ellis (E/W if 9/2+)
by Rory Paddock