An essential guide on how to get ahead at Ireland's only all-weather track

With all eyes on Dundalk this Friday, Mark Boylan examines some of the key factors to consider when it comes to Ireland's only all-weather track...

Low draw an important asset

Dundalk's layout means it is a generally fair track for all runners but a low draw, especially over six and seven furlongs, is generally considered to be a major positive.

The mile start gives runners drawn wide more of a chance to get a useful position than over a couple of furlongs shorter, while a low draw is handy over 1m2½f, as the first bend comes shortly after the break.

Former Irish champion jockey Declan McDonogh has ridden eight winners at a 21 per cent strike rate at the course so far this year, and he believes a low draw can have a significant impact over any distance at Dundalk.

"It's generally a fair track but regardless of what distance a race is over, you need a good draw," he said.

Declan McDonogh on Dundalk: 'It's generally a fair track but regardless of what distance a race is over, you need a good draw'Credit: Patrick McCann

"Stalls one to seven are preferable, even over the longer distances. In handicaps over 1m2½f, there can be a rush down to the first bend and it helps to be drawn low.

"In maidens over that type of trip, there can sometimes be horses breaking a little slower so it might be slightly easier to overcome a high draw."

Trainers and jockeys to keep onside

Joseph O'Brien and Mick Halford are regular visitors to the winner's enclosure at Dundalk and both appear to have strong chances on Friday.

O'Brien bagged more winners than Halford at the course last year (24 to 21) but Halford's strike rate of 20 per cent during the same calendar year makes for impressive reading.

Another man who consistently hits the target at the venue is trainer Ado McGuinness, with a very healthy tally of 19 winners for 2019.

Mick Halford: strong strike rate throughout 2019 calendar year at DundalkCredit: Patrick McCann

When it comes to riders, Colin Keane and Ronan Whelan are often to the fore.

Backing all of Keane's 132 rides at Dundalk last year would have netted a handsome +48.84 level-stakes profit with the former champion jockey riding 27 winners, while Whelan, with 26 winners from 134 rides, returned a level-stakes profit of +13.99.

Followers of the excellent Donagh O'Connor, who is 5-31 at Dundalk so far this year, will also be enjoying a level-stakes profit of +6.58.

Watch out for those staying in lowest grade after winning last time

Avid all-weather followers in Ireland will each have their own theories as to how to find gold in the sand at Dundalk and Upping The Ante's Gavin Lynch feels following recent winners in low grade handicaps can reap dividends.

He explained: "I like to see it when a horse has won or finished second in the lowest grade of handicap, rated 45-65, but still manages to line up in the same class next time.

Dundalk: Ireland's only all-weather trackCredit: Alain Barr

"That type of horse, as long as they're not exposed with 20 or 30 runs to their name, can often go close to winning again."

Lynch added: "Another angle to keep an eye out for is when unexposed horses take a significant step up in trip.

"If a horse has shown some ability over 6f or 7f and then steps up to 1m2f, it can sometimes bring out improvement that may otherwise have seemed difficult to predict."

Soft ground turf horses need not apply

Dundalk came in for criticism last season over a supposed lack of bounce in the ground, with trainers reporting some of their horses to have been returning from the track jarred up.

The course carried out significant work ahead of this winter's racing, with more than 50 tons of Clopf fibre blended into the surface last August.

A new surface is set to be installed next month and Dundalk regular Denis Hogan, who sends out five runners on Friday, says the underfoot conditions are working well for the time being.

Dundalk: set to have its surface replaced next monthCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

He explained: "The track is a huge asset to us. It's a fast enough surface but we're aware of what it's like at this stage.

"Since the changes were brought in before the winter season there haven't been the same issues with good ground horses coming back jarred up."

Hogan added: "Trainers wouldn't generally be bringing soft ground turf horses there. I can't complain about the surface when you know the type of horse needed for it, but it still needs to be resurfaced."

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