This response works through all scheduled Dundalk races in chronological order, identifying the TimeWise Master Top Two rated horses, summarizing their form and comments, providing the Spotlight Verdict and Race Statistics, and assessing their chances based on the sources.
1.45 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden (7f, AW)
| Horse | TimeWise Master Top Two Rated | Total TimeWise Rating (Master/RPR) |
|---|---|---|
| What About Us | Top Two Ranked AW | Master 94 / RPR 94 |
| Watch Tower | Top Two Ranked AW | Master 70 / RPR 70 |
Recent Form and Comments
- What About Us: An E160,000 Tattersalls Ireland Breeze Up purchase. Made an encouraging debut when finishing second to the twice-raced Anushka over course and distance (C&D) three weeks ago. It is noted that she will probably need to improve to cope with a couple of the colts in the race.
- Watch Tower: An E260,000 yearling. He made a pleasing debut, starting as the stable outsider when fourth of 17 over 6f at Naas. He looked in need of further when finishing fifth (fourth in his group) in a 28-runner Curragh maiden, the winner of which (Mission Central) went on to be an Ascot big-race winner. The second, third, and fourth horses from that Curragh race have all subsequently won.
Spotlight Verdict
The form of the Curragh maiden in which WATCH TOWER (nap) finished fifth is convincing enough to give him the vote over What About Us who showed definite potential on her debut here three weeks ago.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: For 2yo only.
- Fate of Favourites: 1041.
- Trainer Records (w-pl-r): Mrs John Harrington 1-0-1, G M Lyons 0-1-4, Joseph Patrick O’Brien 0-3-6.
Assessment of Top Two
- What About Us: Strength: Possesses the highest master rating (94) and showed clear potential finishing second on her debut over this C&D. Weakness: May need to find improvement to challenge the highest-rated colts. Suitability: Proven C&D form.
- Watch Tower: Strength: Comes from strong form lines, notably the Curragh maiden where subsequent winners emerged, which the Spotlight finds compelling. Weakness: His TimeWise Master rating (70) is significantly lower than his rival. Suitability: The trip (7f) is suitable as he looked in need of further than 6f previously.
2.20 Dundalk Stadium Gift Vouchers Available Online Handicap (7f, AW)
| Horse | TimeWise Master Top Two Rated | Total TimeWise Rating (Master/RPR) |
|---|---|---|
| Distillate | Top Two Ranked AW | Master 68 / RPR 68 |
| Fleetfootsoldier | Top Two Ranked AW | Master 62 / RPR 62 |
Recent Form and Comments
- Distillate: Has six career wins, with the most recent coming on the beach at Laytown in September. She has had a very busy campaign but often runs well. She finished only 1/2l behind today’s rival Eric Lock two weeks ago.
- Fleetfootsoldier: Has a 3-13 record at Dundalk, including a win in a 1m claimer three weeks ago. Prior to that claimer win, his handicap form was unconvincing. It has been a long time since he last ran over this 7f trip.
Spotlight Verdict
Very slight preference is for UNA MATATA over Eric Lock. The pair are closely matched on running behind the in-form Nikki Swango here three weeks ago. The selection has joined Ado McGuinness in the interim, and Adam Caffrey may have had the call in preferring him to Distillate who he has ridden to five wins and was not far off Eric Lock here two weeks ago.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: 3yo 4-6-48, 4yo+ 6-14-90 (win-place-run).
- Fate of Favourites: 1030012161.
- Trainer Records (w-pl-r): Adrian McGuinness 1-2-8, Andrew Slattery 0-2-4, John C McConnell 0-2-14.
Assessment of Top Two
- Distillate: Strength: Possesses the highest master rating of the two, highly active and consistent campaign, recent form shows her competitive against rivals like Eric Lock. Weakness: Spotlight suggests stable preference may lean toward Una Matata. Suitability: Proven course performance over many runs.
- Fleetfootsoldier: Strength: Strong Dundalk record (3-13) and recently won a claimer. Weakness: Handicap form has been questionable before his recent claimer win, and the return to 7f is a query. Suitability: Course proven, but distance is a concern.
2.55 Irishinjuredjockeys.com Nursery Handicap (7f, AW)
| Horse | TimeWise Master Top Two Rated | Total TimeWise Rating (Master/RPR) |
|---|---|---|
| Enthusiastically | Top Two Ranked AW | Master 56 / RPR 56 |
| Monvoe | Top Two Ranked AW | Master 57 / RPR 57 |
Recent Form and Comments
- Enthusiastically: Showed much improvement on his AW debut two weeks ago over C&D, using forcing tactics to beat Monvoe by 0.5l. He is 7lb higher, but a capable 5lb claimer is booked, negating most of the rise.
- Monvoe: Showed improvement when stepping up in trip over C&D a fortnight ago, staying on well for second, 0.5l behind Enthusiastically. He is 4lb better off with Enthusiastically due to the weight changes but must overcome a wider draw.
Spotlight Verdict
Remaining in this 0-60 bracket after a recent C&D success ENTHUSIASTICALLY can follow up here and confirm the form with the runner-up Monvoe with a capable claimer now taking off 5lb, that form having been franked by the third home last week.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: For 2yo only.
- Fate of Favourites: 01022.
- Trainer Records (w-pl-r): Adrian McGuinness 1-1-7, Edward Lynam 1-1-2.
Assessment of Top Two
- Enthusiastically: Strength: Recent C&D winner, form has been franked, and the 5lb claim minimizes the impact of the 7lb penalty. Weakness: Has to carry more weight than his nearest rival based on raw handicap marks. Suitability: Proven C&D winner who adapted well to the AW.
- Monvoe: Strength: Demonstrated ability over C&D and is 4lb better off with Enthusiastically compared to their last meeting. Weakness: Must reverse the form with the winner and contend with a wider draw. Suitability: Proven C&D form.
3.25 Now Racing Every Wednesday At Dundalk Maiden (6f, AW)
| Horse | TimeWise Master Top Two Rated | Total TimeWise Rating (Master/RPR) |
|---|---|---|
| Ballintogher | Top Two Ranked AW | Master 88 / RPR 88 |
| Shamanka | Top Two Ranked AW | Master 84 / RPR 84 |
Recent Form and Comments
- Ballintogher: Showed promise in maidens at the Curragh. He ran a good race after an absence, being beaten only a head in a 6f Navan maiden recently. However, he was a disappointing short-priced favourite on his AW debut here nine days later and was reported “blowing hard post race”. Cheekpieces worn last time are removed.
- Shamanka: Had some decent runs in defeat over 7f at Dundalk, achieving two placings, including in a claimer in March. She has been absent for 243 days. Her last run saw her finish 4l behind the high-rated Currawood here.
Spotlight Verdict
Reported to be blowing hard after a disappointing run here last month, BALLINTOGHER is worth another chance on his previous Navan run. He could be given a stern test by the filly Heaven’s Wish.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: 3yo 8-16-83, 4yo+ 2-2-20 (win-place-run).
- Fate of Favourites: 1353121022.
- Trainer Records: None specified in the provided text for this race.
Assessment of Top Two
- Ballintogher: Strength: Possesses the highest master rating (88) and has recent form (Navan run) suggesting ability. Weakness: His poor AW debut followed by the report of “blowing hard post race” raises major fitness and suitability concerns. Suitability: Must prove he can handle the AW track after a discouraging first attempt.
- Shamanka: Strength: Has strong previous form at Dundalk (over 7f) and a competitive rating (84). Weakness: The main concern is her 243-day absence. Suitability: Proven on the course, but the long break is a factor.
3.55 Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium Handicap (1m, AW)
| Horse | TimeWise Master Top Two Rated | Total TimeWise Rating (Master/RPR) |
|---|---|---|
| Benavente | Top Two Ranked AW | Master 78 / RPR 78 |
| Moyassr | Top Two Ranked AW | Master 74 / RPR 74 |
Recent Form and Comments
- Benavente: A C&D winner. He was just denied last week in a similar C&D event by a strong favourite, splitting two higher-rated rivals. He is up 3lb but is expected to go well. His usual cheekpieces, which were left off last week, are refitted.
- Moyassr: Secured his second C&D win when getting up on the post late last month to win snugly, fulfilling a gamble. This win puts him on a hat-trick at this venue. A 6lb rise still leaves him on a competitive mark, and he has a decent draw.
Spotlight Verdict
Having landed a touch over C&D at the end of last month MOYASSR is on a hat-trick at this venue, having scored on his previous start here a year ago. The selection won a shade snugly last time and can defy a 6lb rise from a good draw. Benavente is an obvious danger, even with a wide draw, while Rampage and Comfort Line are solid place options.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: For 4yo+ (4-8-54, win-place-run).
- Fate of Favourites: 6040.
- Trainer Records (w-pl-r): Laura Hourigan 1-0-2, Adrian McGuinness 0-1-1, T G McCourt 0-1-2, Timothy Doyle 0-1-1.
Assessment of Top Two
- Benavente: Strength: Possesses the highest master rating (78), proven C&D winner, and recently ran very well when finishing second. Weakness: Has a wide draw. Suitability: Highly reliable C&D performer, with cheekpieces back on.
- Moyassr: Strength: In excellent form, aiming for a hat-trick, won snugly off a lower mark previously, and received a good draw. Weakness: Must defy a 6lb penalty. Suitability: Highly suitable C&D performer, competitive on the raised mark.
4.25 Book Online At DundalkStadium.com Handicap (Div I) (1m 2f 150y, AW)
| Horse | TimeWise Master Top Two Rated | Total TimeWise Rating (Master/RPR) |
|---|---|---|
| Rising Sky | Top Two Ranked AW | Master 64 / RPR 64 |
| Colugo | Top Two Ranked AW | Master 62 / RPR 62 |
Recent Form and Comments
- Rising Sky: A consistent if limited maiden, usually racing around 1m. She had an encouraging C&D effort a fortnight ago, staying on after being denied a clear run, suggesting she is worth another try at this extended trip.
- Colugo: A maiden who has been running well at Dundalk over shorter trips, though his last run was slightly below his best. He does not appear an obvious candidate for this significant step up in distance.
Spotlight Verdict
A good third in the fog over C&D a fortnight ago, TERO D’ROSA can confirm that form with Celtic Druid and Rising Sky, the form having since been franked by the fourth home winning. A bold effort from top-weight Jazz Forever wouldn’t surprise, despite finishing last on his comeback run here recently, while Aingeal Dorcha is a potential improver now belatedly tried on the AW.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: 3yo 1-1-11, 4yo+ 4-9-54 (win-place-run).
- Fate of Favourites: 42621.
- Trainer Records (w-pl-r): John C McConnell 1-0-7, T G McCourt 1-0-1, Adrian McGuinness 0-1-1, G A Kingston 0-1-1, Gavin Cromwell 0-1-1.
Assessment of Top Two
- Rising Sky: Strength: Higher master rating (64) and recent performance over this extended C&D was encouraging, indicating suitability for the trip. Weakness: Limited maiden status. Suitability: Proved competitive at the extended distance.
- Colugo: Strength: Has been running well at Dundalk recently. Weakness: The primary concern is the significant step up in trip, which the sources suggest may not suit him. Suitability: Questionable suitability to the extended distance.
4.55 Book Online At DundalkStadium.com Handicap (Div II) (1m 2f 150y, AW)
| Horse | TimeWise Master Top Two Rated | Total TimeWise Rating (Master/RPR) |
|---|---|---|
| Sarmiento Power | Top Two Ranked AW | Master 64 / RPR 64 |
| Someone’s Wish | Top Two Ranked AW | Master 61 / RPR 61 |
Recent Form and Comments
- Sarmiento Power: Has shown a good run of recent form at Dundalk, including winning over 1m4f and finishing a decent second over this 1m 2f 150y trip. He was too keen and raced wide in his last outing at the longer trip. He remains of interest if he settles better here.
- Someone’s Wish: An AW winner in Britain around this trip. He has primarily been campaigned over jumps by his current yard. This is only his third Flat run at Dundalk, having been closely beaten over 1m4f earlier in the year.
Spotlight Verdict
Not too many appeal, but SARMIENTO POWER remains of interest back in trip, the 4yo’s C&D second two starts back having been franked since by the third home. At opposite ends of the handicap, Thompson Gunner and Sporting Aclaim look likely dangers, while Someone’s Wish has to be respected back from chasing.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: 3yo 1-1-11, 4yo+ 4-9-54 (win-place-run).
- Fate of Favourites: 42621.
- Trainer Records (w-pl-r): John C McConnell 1-0-7, Gavin Cromwell 0-1-1.
Assessment of Top Two
- Sarmiento Power: Strength: Highest master rating (64), excellent recent form at Dundalk over stamina trips, and his recent form was franked. Weakness: Must settle better than he did in his most recent run. Suitability: Strong C&D form.
- Someone’s Wish: Strength: Proven AW winner over similar distances and must be respected due to his overall ability, despite the shift from chasing. Weakness: Has been running mainly over jumps recently. Suitability: Previous form indicates suitability to the trip.
5.25 Safer Gambling Week 2025 Fillies & Mares Maiden (1m 4f, AW)
| Horse | TimeWise Master Top Two Rated | Total TimeWise Rating (Master/RPR) |
|---|---|---|
| Matrice | Top Two Ranked AW | Master 82 / RPR 82 |
| Lily Parr | Top Two Ranked AW | Master 74 / RPR 74 |
Recent Form and Comments
- Matrice: Possesses the highest master rating in the race (82). She has decent placed form in maidens. She finished second over the extended 1m2f here last Friday, but did not quite run up to her rating (74). She will not need to improve much to score here.
- Lily Parr: Arguably ran her best race to date when finishing fourth behind a smart bumper horse in a 23-runner 1m4f maiden at the Curragh earlier this month. She is capable of making her presence felt.
Spotlight Verdict
It is a concern that MATRICE was beaten by a lower-rated rival here last Friday. However, she can make amends over this longer trip, with a theoretical 6lb in hand over Lily Parr who ran a fine over this distance at the Curragh last time.
Race Statistics
- Age Groups: For 3yo+ fillies & mares only.
- Fate of Favourites: Not listed in sources.
- Trainer Records (w-pl-r): W McCreery 0-1-2.
Assessment of Top Two
- Matrice: Strength: Highest rated horse (Master 82) and has a theoretical 6lb advantage over her main rival, Lily Parr. Weakness: Was defeated by a lower-rated horse in her last run, which is a concern. Suitability: Expected to be well-suited by this longer 1m4f trip.
- Lily Parr: Strength: Ran her best race recently over this exact 1m4f distance at the Curragh. Weakness: Has a significantly lower RPR/Master rating than Matrice. Suitability: Highly suited to the 1m4f distance.
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