Former winner Zanzibar back from break for repeat bid

Race & Stay At Crowne Plaza Dundalk Handicap | 7f, 3yo+ | ATR

Tribal Path posted a fine effort in defeat on his return to grass when finishing a cracking fourth in Sunday's Irish Lincolnshire at Naas and makes a quick reappearance here under Shane Foley, although he remains quite highly handicapped. Trainer Damian English will also saddle Red Avenger in the €17,000 contest.

Red Avenger, a three-time course winner, never landed a significant blow in the same race on Sunday, while also reopposing are Split The Atom, Ishebayorgrey and Pearl Spectre, three consistent regulars who emerged with credit when second, third and fourth here a fortnight ago.

Reappearing after a longer break is Ken Condon's stalwart Strait Of Zanzibar. Successful in this race off a mark of 82 in 2013, the redoubtable eight-year-old was second in the race in 2014 and 2015. He failed to figure 12 months ago, but had won on his reappearance a little over a week earlier, so he could figure again now off a rating of 73.

Pearl Spectre will be having his fourth start in a month and third at Dundalk, with Phil McEntee booking Pat Smullen for the cross-channel raider for the first time.

What they say

Damian English, trainer of Red Avenger and Tribal Path
Red Avenger just didn't go on the ground at all at Naas. He is a hold-up horse, so a small field round Dundalk will suit as he will be able to tip around out the back and hopefully be able to pick them off. Tribal Path ran a blinder on Sunday and has come out of the race really well. Seven furlongs at Dundalk will be ideal for him – he's very sharp at the minute. Hopefully between the two of them we might be able to nick it.

David Marnane, trainer of Split The Atom
He has been remarkably consistent all year and we're hoping for another good run. He's in great form at home. He's very versatile, has a low weight and a good jockey up, so everything is right for him to at least finish in the top three.

Pat Martin, trainer of Ishebayorgrey
He's in really good form and has a fair draw. It's a competitive race but we're hopeful. He's very effective on the track, so we expect him to be competitive.

Ken Condon, trainer of Strait Of Zanzibar
He has a good draw, a good record at Dundalk and usually runs a good race when he's fresh. The handicapper has dropped him to a mark he would have won off in the past, but he isn't getting any younger. Andrew Breslin is claiming seven pounds off him, so that will help.

Phil McEntee, trainer of Pearl Spectre
He ran an absolute blinder last week, the step back up to seven furlongs will suit and Pat Smullen is on board.