Key pointers towards finding the right horses at Dundalk

A casual observer of the weekly happenings under the bright lights at Dundalk might come to the conclusion that trying to predict the outcome of the low-grade action is more hassle than it’s worth, with a lot of horses seemingly taking turns in beating each other over the winter months.

There’s obviously some truth in that statement, especially at the lower end of the spectrum, where the draw makes a huge difference. Drawn too high in a bottom-of-the-barrel sprint handicap and you’re probably better off not making the trip and saving on the fuel.

There are of course anomalies and as well as serving a purpose for horses in the lower grade, Dundalk has been lit up by superstars such as Winter, Caravaggio and Mendelssohn in recent years.

With Ireland’s only all-weather track set to attract heightened attention on Friday, given it's the only meeting to take place across Ireland and Britain, here’s a handy guide for first-time punters at Dundalk.

Trainers to watch

Michael Halford: runs Miss Snossyboots and Sky Seven in the feature at DundalkCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Until last year, Michael Halford ruled the roost at Dundalk. He remains the most successful trainer at the venue but was knocked off his perch last season as winter series champion by Joseph O’Brien, who has continued his fine form at the track this winter.

O'Brien has had six winners from 29 runners at Dundalk in 2019 compared wth Halford's five from 20.

Given that trainers are the dominant forces at Dundalk, you'd think backing their runners blind would be the quickest way to the poor house given horses representing them would be either over bet or under priced.

Possibly, but backing all O'Brien's runners would have yielded a €12.25 profit for a €1 level stake so far this year, while Halford's runners have netted a slightly better €12.75 profit for the same staking plan.

Other trainers who've done well at Dundalk in 2019 are Jim Bolger (4-9) Ado McGuinness (3-21) and John Joseph Murphy (2-3), who is based five hours from the track in Upton, County Cork. That means it's always worth taking note when he makes the journey.

Jockeys to watch

Shane Foley: has been the dominant force at Dundalk so far in 2019Credit: Caroline Norris

A lot of the senior riders opt to jet off to sunnier climates during the winter – and who could blame them?

However, there is a solid bunch of young riders rising through the ranks and these are the months when they can take their opportunities to build momentum for the turf season.

Of the senior jockeys, Shane Foley is the man you need on your side. His six wins since the turn of the year make him top dog.

Last year's apprentice championship winner Shane Crosse, Tom Madden, Gavin Ryan and Ben Coen are all young apprentices worth keeping an eye on as well.

Draw bias

It makes a difference in lower-grade sprint handicaps but it seems to be less of a hindrance in races over further, especially for those who like to be dropped in.

Tonight’s runner Gougane Barra is a good example. Michael Halford’s runner has overcome wide draws on his last two starts over a mile and has big claims of completing the hat-trick tonight (6.30).

Horses to watch

The reality is that a lot of the low-grade handicappers winning at Dundalk during the winter wouldn’t get a look in during the summer and many trainers tailor their business model around finding horses for the all-weather.

Make no mistake, maidens are usually hotly contested with many of the top stables represented, but the programme is largely designed to cater for the lesser beasts with lots of 0-65s and claimers on offer.

Take Reckless Lad, a nine-time winner at Dundalk. He's won just once on turf but has carved out a decent return in modest races at the Co Louth track and success in the opening claimer on Friday (5.00) would make him the most successful horse at the venue. Given he's rated only 71, that's some achievement.

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