18:30 Dundalk

Friday 23 February 2018

All17:3018:0018:3019:0019:3020:0020:3021:00

Print Express Handicap

Off time: 18:32 | Winning time: 1m 37.70s

(6)

Elleval²⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 9-10| J: P J Smullen| T: D Marnane| OR: 98| C

14/1

Course winner but disappointed connections with a below-par effort last time out over 1m2½f following two encouraging starts over 7f and 8f. One for the shortlist back at this trip.

Form: 08833-8

(5)

Another Story¹⁷⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 9-1| J: Ronan Whelan| T: S Lavery| OR: 89| CD

7/2

Rattled off a hat-trick of wins here last year the most recent over C&D in March. Not seen since well beaten at Tipperary in August and may need the run here.

Form: 11/1588-

(2)

Russian Soul^p⁴²

Age: 10| Weight: 9-1| J: C P Hoban| T: M Halford| OR: 89| CD

25/1

C&D winner and won a 7f handicap at Chester's May meeting last year. Capable of a big run if breaking well from stall 2.

Form: 47054-6

(8)

Beach Bar²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 8-13| J: Wayne Lordan| T: R O'Brien| OR: 87| C| D

10/1

Course winner that has won over this trip seventh of 11 last time out earlier this month but promising run last month over C&D beaten ¾L off a similar mark. Capable of running a big race.

Form: 1981-27

(3)

Aussie Valentine^t¹⁶³

Age: 7| Weight: 8-9| J: Declan McDonogh| T: A McGuinness| OR: 83| CD

13/2

One from four on the AW and well beaten no impression when last seen in September. Market likely to be the best guide on stable debut.

Form: 330529-

(7)

Jon Ess²¹

Age: 4| Weight: 8-8| J: Shane Foley| T: C O'Dwyer| OR: 82| C

13/8

Course winner over 7f earlier this month following a succession of ½L defeats over C&D in October and November. Should make his presence felt here.

Form: 53823-1

(1)

Red Avenger¹⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 8-4| J: Rory Cleary| T: D English| OR: 78| CD

8/1

C&D winner that has been knocking on the door again recently not beaten far over this trip on his last two starts. Another bold show looks likely from stall 1.

Form: 9040-23

(4)

Reckless Lad^p,t¹⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 8-4| J: Killian Leonard⁽³⁾| T: P Martin| OR: 78| CD

8/1

C&D winner last time out off a 4lb higher mark earlier this month bringing his number of C&D wins this year to two. Likely to be popular in the market following recent efforts.

Form: 543-141

Forecasts

Jon Ess (13/8), Another Story (7/2), Aussie Valentine (13/2), Reckless Lad (8/1), Red Avenger (8/1), Beach Bar (10/1), Elleval (14/1), Russian Soul (25/1)

With the possible front-runner being Aussie Valentine his style of pace-making could set the race up for JON ESS who came from behind early leaders earlier this month to land a 7f handicap beating Togoville ½L. Course winner who has won over the trip Beach Bar and top weight Elleval can battle for the minors.