THE GAME OF LIFE looks to have a good chance of enhancing Joseph O'Brien's good start to the year at Dundalk in the Dundalkstadium.com Handicap (6.30) on Friday evening.
O'Brien has had six winners already at Dundalk this year at a strike-rate of 21 per cent, although The Game Of Life wasn't among that winning number after finishing second at the track on January 4.
That was over seven furlongs, though, and he stayed on well for second, giving hope that he can regain the winning thread over a mile - the distance he prevailed over at this track on debut in December.
Last time he attempted to give 9lb to the now 87-rated winner Ahlan Bil Zain, so there is hope that he's well-treated off a mark of 81, and with a nice draw in stall five and Seamie Heffernan in the saddle again everything is set for a bold run from the four-year-old.
If Joseph O'Brien has had a good start to the year at Dundalk, then Mick Halford is flying and he could have another winner at the track courtesy of SKY SEVEN in the STAGIT.ie / HENIT.ie Race at 6.00.
Halford has had five winners from 18 runners at 28 per cent at Dundalk this year including a double at the course last Friday.
Sky Seven has plenty to find on official figures with a couple of his rivals on Friday, but the Helmet colt is open to all sorts of improvement following a taking win at Dundalk in maiden company on December 21.
Finally, CHAPARRAL DREAM can land the finale for Adrian McGuinness and Colin Keane.
The four-year-old shaped nicely at Wolverhampton last time after an 84-day break and he can improve on that run now stepped back up in trip to 1m4f in the Fundraise At Dundalk Stadium Handicap (8.30).
Sporting Life tips
DUNDALK: 5.00 Reckless Lad, 5.30 Luna's Luck, 6.00 Sky Seven, 6.30 The Game Of Life, 7.00 Cityman, 7.30 Chess Grand Master, 8.00 Caronda, 8.30 Chaparral Dream.
