March 31 / 18.30 Dundalk (AW)

18.30

Standard

Easter Week Racing 11th & 14th April At Dundalk Handicap

  • Prize money: £5482.3
  • 2m 0f 0y
  • 12 runners
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Easter Week Racing 11th & 14th April At Dundalk Handicap

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Flat AW

Surface: Polytrack

Weather: Showers

7/2 (Won)

  • Win: £7.10
  • Place: £1.90

Form: 267-12 CD

Last run: 44 days

W: 9st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 58

Form & Verdict
Gained a first AW win over C&D in January at the main expense of today's rival Curious Bride; 5l clear of the third when second to Vee Dancer on latest and can go close again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

14th Jul 2026

Good

2m 5f 185y

16:47 Downpatrick

Mephisto

11st 13lb

J: Eoghan Finegan

T: Gerard Keane

Three wins last season and shaped nicely on return to hurdling at Bellewstown (24.5f, good) 10 days ago; never won off a mark this high but definite place shout dropped back in trip.

11/1

4th

6

4th Jul 2026

Good

3m 0f 116y

19:48 Bellewstown

Mephisto

11st 2lb

J: Eoghan Finegan

T: Gerard Keane

Dual-purpose performer is 3-21 over hurdles with all three gained in an eight-day period in August last year; has been ticking over nicely on the Flat without winning of late; could make his presence felt.

16/1

6th

9

(9)

7th Jun 2026

Good

1m 5f 0y

17:12 Navan

Mephisto

9st 7lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Gerard Keane

Two solid runs since return from winter break; 4l third at Dundalk (1m4f), then 0.5l behind Jurality when third at Down Royal (Synchronize fourth); 2lb rise for that seems a touch harsh, but place claims again.

11/2

10/1

  • Place: £3.60

Form: 79036-

Last run: 151 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 63

Form & Verdict
Outran odds of 50-1 when third on handicap debut over 1m6f at Navan last October; another fair run over 1m4f at Galway; both those runs on heavy ground; first time on this surface now, not certain to be ideal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

19

(10)

22nd Apr 2023

Yielding To Soft

1m 5f 0y

17:10 Navan

Fenomeno

9st 5lb

J: N G McCullagh

T: Charles Weld

midfield, headway 3f out, pressed leaders when ridden under 2f out, kept on but no extra inside final furlong

5/1

2nd

6

(1)

31st Mar 2023

Standard

2m 0f 0y

18:30 Dundalk (AW)

Fenomeno

9st 12lb

J: N G McCullagh

T: Charles Weld

Outran odds of 50-1 when third on handicap debut over 1m6f at Navan last October; another fair run over 1m4f at Galway; both those runs on heavy ground; first time on this surface now, not certain to be ideal.

10/1

5/2

  • Place: £1.10

Form: 0/04-1 CD

Last run: 44 days

W: 10st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Three-time hurdles winner, all at odds-on in Britain in December 2021; numerous excuses offered to the stewards for a poor run at 66-1 on the first of two Flat starts last season; better when fourth at Killarney in October; made all to justify good support over C&D last month; now 9lb higher for 3/4l defeat of Mephisto; missed a turf engagement on Wednesday.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

18th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 119y

Class 4

14:30 Hereford

Vee Dancer

11st 4lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Ryan Potter

An 11yo now and has pulled up in two hurdle races and a chase since returning from a lengthy break; what could help is getting away from soft ground, as good seems his preference.

14/1

6

18th Feb 2026

2m 7f 171y

Class 4

15:35 Ludlow

Vee Dancer

11st 1lb

J: Mr James King

T: Ryan Potter

Point runner-up who is one to watch in the market in first-time blinkers (replacing cheekpieces) on his chase debut; however, this 11yo has been pulled up over hurdles on his last two runs and a major turnaround is needed.

20/1

1

23rd Jan 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 84y

Class 4

16:00 Doncaster

Vee Dancer

12st 1lb

J: Freddie Keighley

T: Ryan Potter

Uncompetitive in four starts divided between hurdling and the Flat since returning from a long absence and difficult to envisage a sudden resurgence at the age of 11.

33/1

Form: 2-9687 C

Last run: 15 days

W: 9st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 59

Form & Verdict
Six-time course winner over shorter distances, winner of ten races in all; out of the money on four visits this year and may need to drop further in the ratings at the age of nine.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

13

15th Oct 2024

Good

2m 6f 166y

16:50 Punchestown

Wild Shot

11st 0lb

J: Gavin Brouder

T: John C McConnell

Prolific Flat and dual hurdles winner at a fairly modest level; long losing run but twice placed in claiming hurdles including latest when 6l off Cozone at Clonmel (2m4f, good); rider's claim brings the pair closer but still needs to find more.

10/1

2nd

7

3rd Oct 2024

Yielding

2m 3f 206y

15:20 Clonmel

Wild Shot

10st 8lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: John C McConnell

Prolific Flat and dual hurdles winner; fair form under both codes this summer, placed in claimer over this trip at Bellewstown and not shamed in handicap company last time; well in at the weights, for what that's worth in a race of this nature, and good ground important.

3/1

6th

3

13th Sep 2024

Good

2m 6f 11y

16:35 Ballinrobe

Wild Shot

11st 9lb

J: Alex Harvey

T: John C McConnell

midfield

10/1

Form: 000-23

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Winner over hurdles in 2021; no wins on the Flat since 2020 but it was her best Flat run for some time when narrowly denied by Mephisto here in January; poor effort over hurdles before long-priced third over 1m4f last time; holds a definite chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(4)

26th Aug 2025

Yielding

2m 1f 110y

19:55 Bellewstown

Curious Bride

11st 10lb

J: Mr P A King

T: Eamonn O’Connell

Four-time Flat winner has also won over hurdles; won over 1m7f at Leopardstown in July but has been below that level since off this mark and has to rebound.

16/1

6

(9)

16th Aug 2025

Yielding

2m 0f 0y

19:37 Tramore

Curious Bride

9st 8lb

J: Conor Cusack

T: Eamonn O’Connell

Likes a stamina test, last three wins at around this trip including at Leopardstown last month off 71; hampered start when never counting at same venue 9 days ago but that run can be forgiven and remains a player.

15/2

6th

1

(9)

7th Aug 2025

Good

1m 7f 0y

20:25 Leopardstown

Curious Bride

12st 2lb

J: Miss T Hjalmarsson

T: Eamonn O’Connell

Won two staying handicaps last year and added another one over C&D (gd-yld) two weeks ago; a 6lb rise makes things harder but another good run likely on the cards.

9/4

8/1

Form: 70/76- CD

Last run: 211 days

W: 9st 5lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 53

Form & Verdict
Won a handicap hurdle on good ground at Clonmel last May; long-priced C&D winner two years ago on the second of two attempts at this venue; lacks a recent run.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

18th Aug 2024

Good

2m 6f 0y

16:03 Tramore

The Abbey

11st 2lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Better chaser than hurdler, winning at Downpatrick and Limerick last year; okay runs initially this year but well held over 3m2f last twice; back in trip here with a bit to find.

7/1

9th

11

7th Jul 2024

Good

3m 1f 146y

16:50 Sligo

The Abbey

11st 5lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Getting into the veteran stage and he's a better chaser; this trip is a minimum for him but little of note over hurdles for quite some time; change of headgear.

16/1

10th

14

12th May 2024

Good

3m 2f 0y

16:30 Killarney

The Abbey

10st 1lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Just 2-17 over fences; fair fourth behind today's rival Brideswell Lad at Leopardstown in March after a break; failed to improve on that when taking the same place over 3m2f at Down Royal four weeks ago.

12/1

OUR TIP

20/1

Form: 099-70 CD

Last run: 58 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Dual course winner over 1m4f; well below her best in four outings here since November; beat only one rival on latest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

13

(16)

5th Oct 2023

Soft

2m 0f 0y

16:50 Thurles

Annecherie

9st 5lb

J: Leigh Roche

T: Ms Sheila Lavery

Two AW wins; opened her account on turf over 2m at Tramore, beating Walnut Beach who is dropped in trip to contest the 3.50 race; should go well again.

7/1

1st

8

(3)

13th Sep 2023

Good

2m 0f 0y

17:25 Tramore

Annecherie

9st 9lb

J: Leigh Roche

T: Ms Sheila Lavery

dwelt start, in rear, headway into midfield 5f out, went fourth on outer under 3f out, ridden and went second inside final furlong, led inside final 110yds, cosily

5/1

4th

7

(5)

31st Aug 2023

Good

1m 6f 0y

17:10 Navan

Annecherie

9st 7lb

J: Cian MacRedmond

T: Ms Sheila Lavery

Both wins have come on AW and turf form this season has been poor; makes little appeal.

33/1

Form: 60000-

Last run: 100 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 47

Form & Verdict
Pulled-up on a recent maiden hurdle outing; poor Flat form; blinkered for the first time; makes no appeal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

(14)

29th Sep 2023

Standard

1m 4f 0y

20:15 Dundalk (AW)

Theresathought

9st 0lb

J: Jack Cleary

T: Michael G Cleary

Maiden has been well beaten in three starts here and others are preferred today.

33/1

5th

11

(8)

22nd Aug 2023

Soft

1m 2f 64y

17:15 Roscommon

Theresathought

9st 2lb

J: Jack Cleary

T: Michael G Cleary

midfield, headway on outer over 1f out, kept on well towards finish, not reach leaders

50/1

13/2

Form: 47-034

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 53

Form & Verdict
Ran twice on turf last year; made a bright start in handicap company with 66-1 third over 1m4f here last month; another solid run over the same trip last month; fair chance if staying.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

23rd May 2023

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 80y

13:45 Punchestown

Foreign Policy

10st 10lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Noel Meade

Flat maiden has run well in some Dundalk handicaps this spring but below that level last twice; modest appeal on hurdling debut.

14/1

7th

12

(12)

10th May 2023

Yielding To Soft

1m 6f 0y

17:25 Gowran Park

Foreign Policy

8st 13lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Noel Meade

midfield, pushed along under 3f out, ridden and outpaced under 2f out, no extra 1f out

12/1

9th

11

(10)

31st Mar 2023

Standard

2m 0f 0y

18:30 Dundalk (AW)

Foreign Policy

9st 2lb

J: Leigh Roche

T: Noel Meade

Ran twice on turf last year; made a bright start in handicap company with 66-1 third over 1m4f here last month; another solid run over the same trip last month; fair chance if staying.

13/2

10th
3 (5)
Guild

12/1

Form: 40-806 C

Last run: 44 days

W: 10st 0lb

8 yo Horse

OR: 62

Form & Verdict
Course winner over 1m4f in 2021; needs to reverse last month's form with Vee Dancer and Mephisto.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

13

(6)

29th Nov 2023

Standard

1m 4f 0y

19:00 Dundalk (AW)

Guild

9st 6lb

J: Robbie Colgan

T: Luke Comer

C&D winner in 2021; lost form after fourth here 12 months ago; lacks a recent outing.

25/1

10th

3

(5)

31st Mar 2023

Standard

2m 0f 0y

18:30 Dundalk (AW)

Guild

10st 0lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: Luke Comer

Course winner over 1m4f in 2021; needs to reverse last month's form with Vee Dancer and Mephisto.

12/1

6th

4

(5)

15th Feb 2023

Standard

2m 0f 0y

13:20 Dundalk (AW)

Guild

9st 13lb

J: Chris Hayes

T: Luke Comer

took keen hold, in touch with leaders, ridden 2f out, soon no impression

40/1

Form: 119/6- CD

Last run: 121 days

W: 9st 12lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 60

Form & Verdict
Won a pair of C&D handicaps for John McConnell in early 2021 off marks of 54 & 60; ran only twice last year; not disgraced here in November.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

12th Nov 2024

Good

2m 4f 55y

15:27 Fairyhouse

Falak

11st 10lb

J: Mr I Ryan

T: T G McCourt

Six-time winner including twice over hurdles; very hard to fancy on 2024 form; visored now, instead of usual tongue-tie.

25/1

10

12th Nov 2024

Good

2m 4f 55y

15:27 Fairyhouse

Falak

11st 10lb

J: Mr I Ryan

T: T G McCourt

Six-time winner including twice over hurdles; very hard to fancy on 2024 form; visored now, instead of usual tongue-tie.

25/1

7th

7

1st Nov 2024

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 30y

13:00 Down Royal

Falak

11st 7lb

J: Keith Donoghue

T: T G McCourt

Six-time winner, twice over hurdles but little to be encouraged by anything he has done this year.

25/1

Form: 07-642

Last run: 7 days

W: 9st 5lb

5 yo Mare

OR: 53

Form & Verdict
Started with William Haggas, had three different trainers in France; arrived with Joseph O'Brien as a 12-race maiden; first Irish run was over 7f; has shown definite potential for a breakthrough win with two promising efforts over 1m4f; by Sea The Stars, but with a lot of speed in the pedigree, so might struggle to get 2m.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(4)

23rd Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 43y

19:10 Down Royal

Sea Oscar

9st 0lb

J: Hugh Horgan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Stayed on strongly to get off the mark in a Leopardstown handicap over 1m7f last week; however, while this trip will suit she has a lot to find with all of these rivals.

25/1

1st

14

(13)

15th Jun 2023

Yielding

1m 7f 0y

20:30 Leopardstown

Sea Oscar

8st 12lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

prominent, soon went second, led after 6f, ridden clear up the centre over 1f out, hung right but went further clear inside final furlong

7/1

5th

10

(7)

30th May 2023

Good To Firm

1m 4f 110y

19:45 Tipperary

Sea Oscar

9st 4lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Started with William Haggas, had three different trainers in France; arrived with Joseph O'Brien as a 12-race maiden; first Irish run was over 7f; has shown definite potential for a breakthrough win with two promising efforts over 1m4f.

5/1

Non-runners

Sea Oscar

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €79.30
Straight Forecast €84.05
Tricast €144.78
Trifecta €310.90

Selections

RP Ratings (IRE):

Foreign Policy

The Irish Sun:

Sea Oscar

SPOTLIGHT:

Curious Bride

POSTDATA:

Foreign Policy