Nivvo bidding for third Dundalk win in valuable fillies' handicap

5.25 Dundalk
Meridian Security Irish EBF Fillies' Handicap | 3yo and up | 1m2f150yds| ATR

Nivvo returns to Dundalk, the scene of both her wins, bidding to land this valuable handicap for trainer Tracey Collins and jockey Ronan Whelan.

The five-year-old's victories were achieved over shorter distances – 7f and 1m – and she goes into battle following a run at Lingfield in March when she beat only three home over 7f.

Speaking on Saturday Collins said: "Nivvo is in good form. She handles the track well and although she hasn't won over the trip, she has run well over the course and distance.

"She found things at Lingfield a bit tight but she was beaten just over five lengths."

Heading the weights for the ten runner event is the John McConnell-trained Pearl Of The West who was a dual winner over longer trips last season for Pat Fahy.

Successful over hurdles at Carlisle in March on her most recent start, the four-year-old will have 3lb claimer Robbie Downey on board.

McConnell said on Saturday: "It looks very competitive but our filly is well and is fit from hurdling. It will be her first run on the surface but we think she should act on the track."

Apart from Nivvo, the Andy Slattery-trained four-year-old Smart Stinger is the only other course winner in the line-up. She won a 7f maiden at the track in December, ridden by 7lb claimer Ben Coen who takes the ride again.

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