Yamato to continue Halford's dominance at Dundalk

Dundalk has proved to be something of an lucky venue for some of Michael Halford’s horses in recent seasons. Halford is the top trainer at the County Louth track and could well add to his impressive tally there with Yamato in the 7f Apprentice Handicap (6.35).

Speaking of apprentices, Conor McGovern should prove to be an asset aboard this 73-rated son of Big Bad Bob. The young rider has continued his ascent in the weighroom under the tutelage of Halford since recording his first winner in the saddle here aboard Slipper Orchid two seasons ago. The Clones native returned to the winner's enclosure aboard Reddot Express last week after enduring a couple of months on the sidelines due to an injury sustained at Ballinrobe in July.

Yamato's best effort to date came when he went down narrowly at this track back in July, and he looks fairly enough treated to get his head in front at the eighth time of asking.