7:30 Dundalk Tips

Still to make the frame after seven runs but wasn't beaten far when fourth over course and distance last time out. Hit trouble in running, so in with a chance if getting a clear run.

John McConnell's dual C&D winner gets in here off a lb lower mark of 74 than the one she last won off. That win came here in December 2024 while she was still trained by Gavin Cromwell. Tonight young Jessica Maye takes a further seven lbs off for her claim, giving her a good chance of winning carrying top weight here.

This three-time course winner is a capable handicap-level competitor who has consistently displayed solid form over 1m 4f and similar distances, particularly on AW. Although his best form has historically been over shorter distances, he has demonstrated his stamina for this trip. He secured 3rd place in a 1m 4f handicap here at Dundalk last month. He looks a reliable each-way bet at 10/1.

Secrarius is on his fourth trainer, as the owner-breeder has moved this horse around a few previous yards. Now back in Ireland with Henry de Bromhead. If the change of scenery does the trick, he has the recent form to go close in this race.

Daniel James Howard has been profitable to follow on all Flat runners. Edge of Darkness has been in pretty poor form, mostly over hurdles, since joining the stable from Denis Hogan. He has struggled from a high career handicap mark since winning three races in a row for Charlie Johnston in 2023. That mark has come down now from a peak of OR84. Last time, always behind, two weeks ago over course and distance. He has dropped six pounds to OR60 since that defeat and Wayne Lordan (winner from the sole ride two weeks ago) is booked. Might have a squeak with first-time blinkers now applied.

This looks excellent each-way value. He has shown some decent form over shorter distances, including last time over a very inadequate 2 miles. He was behind one of these last time and gets a 3 lb pull at the weights over this much longer distance. That may well be enough to reverse form. That other horse is much shorter in the betting, so this 66/1 about this horse looks enticing. Even with the jockey's 7 lb claim this horse races from 5 lb out of the handicap, but he is a talented claimer and the horse has the 1 draw, which should enable him to take up a good position early on.

A very open handicap where a chance is taken on outsider Man Is King who at 33/1 looks great value. He was below par last time out, but that was over 4 furlongs??'short of today's trip. Previously he wasn't beaten far here, again over a shorter trip. He should get the run of things from stall 2.