7:30 Sligo Tips

Likes it around here, especially over two and a half, with form figures of 1, 1, 6, 2. The wins were off 93 and 95. Runs off 91 today with a very good 7 lb claimer on board, who only has the one ride today. Surely must go close.

Divilabother was a game 2nd at Fairyhouse, very lightly raced and stays well. I see him on the upgrade with serious place or win claims. Divilabother is at the very least an EW value play as he is an improving type and the form is holding up.

The Striker Dylan is a 7-year-old gelding trained by Liam P Cusack, a trainer who targets races at Sligo, winning with 5 of his last 14 runners. His The Striker Dylan is 0-9 wins but has been ultra-consistent of late, finishing 2-2-4-2, and has been sent off as the favorite in all those four races. He got beat by 5 lengths on his last start on October 24 by Doitforjane Sid, rated 88, a horse who has won twice since and is now rated some 32 pounds higher on 120, so the form looks solid. The Striker Dylan returns from a 219-day break after a busy 9-race campaign in 2024, and that break could freshen up The Striker Dylan. He should go well under Richard Deegan, with the ground and trip posing no concerns.

Lightly raced 6yo who won a handicap hurdle over this 2m4f trip at Bellewstown last time out in mid-April. Won with plenty in hand that day, so could well be up to carrying a 7lbs penalty and should go well if backing up that last performance.

MANHATTAN BROOK is ridden by Rachael Blackmore today which could be a sign of intent from her connections. She showed much more last time out when some money arrived for her and stepping back down in distance on the evidence of that effort could be the answer.

Has run poorly the last two times, but his run three runs back was a decent effort. The winner of that race was a subsequent Listed winner. He finished 4 lengths behind the runner-up receiving 7 lbs, so selection an 11 lbs inferior animal. The second won on his next hurdles run off 98, so this mark today of 87 is about right and has an excellent each-way chance.

The model I run suggests the value bet here is each way on Mr. Mcwhinny. There are 16 runners in this field, which means 5 places are up for grabs. Mr. Mcwhinny lines up with the highest RPR of the field, but a middle order official ranking. Subsequently, he goes out carrying near the bottom of the weights. Jack Gilligan on board claims 5 lbs, which takes his weights firmly down to the lower order and should help over this 2m 4f trip.

This will be a difficult task for this horse with top weight but, will run well if showing best form. Might be worth considering now back at this course, below form at Kilbeggan last time but may improve back at this track on better ground conditions than last time.