Halford hoping for the best with track specialists in Dundalk feature

Michael Halford, the most successful trainer at Dundalk, is well-represented with two track specialists Miss Snossyboots and Sky Seven in the feature 1m2½f handicap (6.45) at Ireland’s only all-weather racecourse this evening.

Miss Snossyboots rattled off a trio of victories at Dundalk earlier in the year and returns to her favourite hunting ground off the back of a 105-day break and Halford reports his charge to be ready for battle.

The trainer said: “They're both in good form. Miss Snossyboots has a wide draw and she's coming back after a small break but she's in good form and seems to love it around there. Her form is certainly better on the all-weather so we're looking forward to getting a good run from her.”

Sky Seven, a dual winner at the track, is stepping up in trip, and Halford added: “Sky Seven met with interference when he jumped off the last night and got caught a little further back than what he'd have wanted to be but stayed on really well in the straight.

“We've upped him in trip and we might just take our time with him – he'll be ridden to get the trip. Again, he's another who loves it around Dundalk.”

Spruce Meadows, another Dundalk regular, has been holding his form well of late and trainer Johnny Feane is hoping his seven-time winner can overcome a wide draw.

Feane said: “He ran a blinder at Naas the last day and at Dundalk before that as well. He needs a fast pace to run at but he's drawn in ten so I think it could be tricky to get a good position.

“The draw bias is more prominent than it ever was at Dundalk, whatever way the races are being run. He's got a good chance and we're taking five pounds off him again. He's in great form and looks well.”

One of the lesser exposed runners in the field is the Richard O’Brien-trained Golden Valour, who caught the eye in second over the course and distance three weeks ago.

O’Brien said: "His run the last day was very good. He pulled a little bit too hard and it took its toll late on in the race.

"Chris [Hayes] felt that if he improved a little for fitness and settled better – and he might do that because it's a higher grade and they'll be going a stride quicker – that he'd be very competitive. We're hopeful."

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