'With Keane on board the disadvantage is negligible' - two tips for Dundalk

Michael O'Callaghan's recent course-and-distance maiden winner Lokada looks like a good bet to follow up on her handicap debut in a 5f contest in the 47-65 bracket.

The switch to Dundalk and the addition of a tongue-tie were clearly significant factors in her achieving a breakthrough after three runs on turf.

Previously allocated a handicap mark of 58, she is arguably fortunate to get away with a 4lb rise, since the ability to win even the weakest maiden at this venue would typically imply a standard of ability in excess of this race's 65 ceiling.

Perhaps she was entitled to some leniency on account of the fact the runner-up was a newcomer, but the official assessment of the race has seemingly overlooked the fact the next four finishers had ratings of 70, 66, 69 and 72 respectively.

It is possible they all ran below form, but unlikely on balance, and in any case, Lokada is appealing in this company as a relatively unexposed filly who has taken well to the surface. Significantly, the trainer's post-race remarks suggest there was more merit in her turf runs than might have been obvious.

Drawn low for her win, she comes out of stall 11 here, but with Colin Keane aboard the disadvantage is negligible.

Gibraltar
8.30 Dundalk
2pts win

Considering his profile as a 133-rated Willie Mullins-trained hurdler, one might suspect Gibraltar's appearance in a 2m handicap at Dundalk in the closing days of November could be an interim target before a return to jumping.

However, the five-year-old's overall profile suggests he is essentially a good-ground performer who might not be active during the winter months.

As such, his first venture on the all-weather since his days as a juvenile with Michael Bell can be seen as a serious attempt to capitalise on the progressive Flat form he has shown on turf this year.

He recorded a first Flat success in a 1m7f handicap on good ground at Leopardstown in June, and backed that up with a convincing victory over 2m, again on a quickish surface, at Tramore in August. He then emerged the best of his trainer's three runners and second-best of the Irish contingent when seventh of 21 behind Run For Oscar in the Cesarewitch. That level of form should suffice to win an event of this standard.

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