Course specialists chase five-figure pot in feature handicap

5.30 Dundalk

Icopy-Office Equipment Specialists Handicap | 1m2f150yds, 4yo+ | ATR

Nine Dundalk regulars line up for this €24,000 handicap. All but the Michael Halford-trained Maknificent have won over the course, with Political Policy the most successful Polytrack performer in the line-up with eight wins at the venue.

However, the Gavin Cromwell-trained six-year-old has not won since scoring over the course 13 months ago, whereas Red Avenger has better recent form at the track and will be seeking a fourth course win since joining trainer Damian English late last year.

Red Avenger, who will be stepping up in distance, ran up a hat-trick over a mile before running below par on his most recent visit a week ago.

Specific Gravity, trained by Ado McGuinness, has been placed three times at the track since achieving his fourth course win in November.

Joseph O'Brien is represented by Song Of Love, a four-time course winner from seven furlongs to a mile and a half, and Udogo, who has twice won over the course.

Shalaman, whose three course wins include two over Friday's trip, is returning from an absence of almost a year, while dual course winner Brokopondo is back following a seven-week break.

What they say

Gavin Cromwell, trainer of Political Policy
He ran okay last time and seems to be coming back to form. He's down a few pounds in the ratings, so fingers crossed he'll go well.

Damian English, trainer of Red Avenger
He's in great form for this step up in trip. He won three on the bounce before disappointing last time when he got a bit upset in the stalls and blew the start. Hopefully he'll be okay this time and we'll be using a Monty Roberts blanket to help.

Ado McGuinness, trainer of Specific Gravity
He's very well and this seems to be his ideal trip. He's got a good draw and, while there isn't much between most of them on form, hopefully things will fall our way.

Johnny Levins, trainer of Brokopondo
I'm very happy with him. He's coming back from a break and Sean Davis's 7lb claim will be a big help.