FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

16:00 Dundalk

Although he's now without a win in over a year Dermot McLoughlin's War Hero has been knocking on the door of success a fair amount lately and shouldn't be far away once more. The seven year old is below his last winning mark and has a more than capable young claimer in the saddle. Although he's not the most prolific if there’s bookmakers offering up 4/1 or bigger then I’d be encouraging punters to back him each way.

The clear danger is the current favourite Confide who represents top connections but has a 364 day absence to overcome. Of the remainder, stable debutant Mischief Star has made the move from the yard of David O’Meara and lines up for James McAuley for the first time tonight. Take not of on serious market support.

WAR HERO (E/W)

18:00 Dundalk

The second of three selections from Dundalk is another horse who hasn’t tasted success in well over a year and former course and distance winner Linus Larrabee is now on a very attractive mark and after a promising effort last time out I expect him to go even closer this time around. Fellow course and distance winner Helen De Pourtales looks massively overpriced and could also spring a shock.

LINUS LARRABEE (E/W) 19:00 Dundalk

The penultimate race on the card over in Ireland this evening sees a quintet of former course and distance winners in the lineup and my selection comes from these five runners. Six year old Conor Hogan hails from the yard of Noel Meade who has his horses in blistering form as the dual purpose trainer is getting ready for Cheltenham next week. With just the one win in his 22 career starts it’s hard to be overly confident about his chances but with an additional 7lbs being taken off by young apprentice Jack Kearney he’s got a fantastic weight and with the young rider claiming success with his most recent mount he’s clearly talented. At decent odds I’m happy to side with him in what looks a very open contest.

CONOR HOGAN (E/W) written by Rory Paddock