Geological gets the thumbs up from English back at a mile

6.30 Dundalk
Anglo Printers Handicap | 1m | ATR

Political Policy has been to Dundalk more times than some of the staff at Ireland's only all-weather venue. Friday night will be his 41st appearance at the track as he goes in search of course win number nine.

The six-year-old is not the only Dundalk regular in action. Geological is paying his 19th visit to the track, while both Poetic Choice and Tribal Path have been here 16 times before. If your punting policy is based on course form, you will have to dig a little deeper.

Geological certainly comes into the race at the top of his game. He has won twice since December and found only Patrick too good when dropping back down to six furlongs last time. He looks the pick of the Damian English-trained pair, although Tribal Path is a three-time course winner and would be dangerous if returning to his best form.

The booking of Pat Smullen catches the eye for Dark Alliance. The champion jockey has never ridden the six-year-old, so the fact that Adrian Keatley has snapped him up suggests a bold showing is expected from the ex-Michael Halford-trained horse, twice a winner at Dundalk previously.

What they say

Gavin Cromwell, trainer of Political Policy
He knows the place inside out and seems to be coming back to himself. I thought his last two runs were big steps back in the right direction so hopefully he'll continue to improve. He's in good form.

Damian English, trainer of Tribal Path and Geological
Geological has had a great winter. We dropped him down to six furlongs last time and I reckon he was beaten by a very well-handicapped horse. I think going back over a mile will suit him better and I have no worries about him getting the trip. The plan for him is to track Tribal Path and I think he's got a great chance. Tribal Path is slowly coming back to himself and he's in cracking form, but it might just take another run to get him back cherry-ripe.

Adrian Keatley, trainer of Dark Alliance
He's in good form, he has a good draw and we have Pat Smullen on board, so I'd like to think he has a decent chance. I'd certainly be hopeful of a big run.