Date: Friday, January 16, 2026

Venue: Dundalk Stadium

Surface: Polytrack (Standard)

Welcome to your ultimate companion for this evening’s racing at Dundalk. Whether you are a seasoned punter with a pocket full of betting slips or a casual fan looking to enjoy the Friday night floodlights, this guide is designed to take you deeper than the basic racecard.

We aren’t just looking at who might win; we are looking at why they might win. We are stripping away the hype and focusing on the mechanics of the races: the pace, the draw, the stamina requirements, and the hidden signals from trainers and jockeys.

Dundalk is a unique ecosystem. It is Ireland’s only all-weather track, a left-handed oval that rewards speed, tactical sharpness, and the ability to handle the “kickback” of the synthetic surface. Tonight’s seven-race card offers a delicious mix of tactical puzzles, from sprint handicaps where a split second at the start can cost you the race, to gruelling two-mile staying contests where stamina is the only currency that matters.

Let’s dive into the forensic details of every race.

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16:15 – The Floodlit Fridays At Dundalk Handicap (6f)

We kick off with a sprint over 6 furlongs (1200 metres). In these races, things happen fast. The first furlong is often where the race is won or lost.

The Landscape of the Race

This is a Class 5 handicap, which means we are looking at horses that are solid professionals but perhaps lack a “gear.” The key dynamic here is the mix of “exposed” runners (horses we know everything about) and “unexposed” runners (younger horses with potential to improve).

The critical factor tonight is the trip. We have horses dropping down from 7 furlongs and horses stepping up from 5 furlongs. Finding the horse that lands in the “Goldilocks zone”—not too fast, not too slow—is the secret.

The Contenders

Pints In Peace (Draw 2)

• The Case for Him: This 3-year-old is the most fascinating runner in the field. If you look at his last run over 7 furlongs, he did everything right—he travelled well, he looked dangerous, and he even led over a furlong out. But in the final 100 yards, the petrol tank ran dry. That is a classic signal of a horse that has speed but lacks stamina for that specific distance.
• The Structural Edge: Dropping back to 6 furlongs tonight is the perfect move. He won’t have to stretch his energy as far. Drawn in stall 2, he is in the ideal position. He doesn’t need to lead; he can sit just behind the leaders on the rail, saving ground and energy, waiting to pounce. He is carrying significantly less weight than he did in his nursery handicaps, which physically helps a young horse accelerate.
• Verdict: He is the “improver.” The one most likely to take a step forward.

Dontspoilasale (Draw 3)

• The Case Against Him: This horse is a Dundalk regular. He has speed to burn and will likely blast out of the gates to lead. However, his recent form figures (4th, 6th, 6th) tell a story of a horse that is struggling to finish his races. He often does the hard work early and then fades when the pressure comes on.
• The Danger: He sets the race up for others. By going hard early, he creates a slipstream for horses like Pints In Peace. Unless he gets an uncontested lead (unlikely with other speed in the race), he is vulnerable in the final furlong.

Mehman (Draw 9)

• The Wildcard: Mehman is a frustrater. He often starts slowly and finds himself at the back of the field. At Dundalk, passing 8 or 9 horses in the home straight is very difficult unless the leaders collapse.
• The Hidden Run: In December, he finished 7th, but don’t let that number fool you. He was blocked, checked, and had nowhere to go. When he finally got daylight, he finished fast. If the pace up front is suicidal, Mehman is the one who will be flying home late. The wide draw (9) forces him to drop back, so he needs luck.

Arctic Steps (Draw 6)

• The Query: He won last time out over 5 furlongs. Winning is a good habit, but stepping up to 6 furlongs is a different test. He led in the “dying strides” of a shorter race, which suggests stamina, but he is now up in the weights (carrying more lead) and facing better horses. He might find himself one-paced when the pure sprinters kick.

Summary

The race sets up beautifully for Pints In Peace. He has the draw, the tactical speed, and the “cut-back” in distance profile that often yields results at Dundalk. He should get the perfect run of the race while Dontspoilasale burns himself out on the front end.

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16:45 – The Irishinjuredjockeys.com Rated Race (2m)

Now we go to the other extreme: a 2-mile marathon. This is not about speed; it’s about rhythm, lung capacity, and the will to keep galloping when your legs are screaming.

The Landscape of the Race

This is a small field of six runners, which often leads to a “tactical” (slow) race. When the pace is slow, it doesn’t test stamina as much, which can help horses that are doubtful stayers. However, a slow pace also turns the race into a sprint finish, which favours horses with a “turn of foot.”

The Contenders

Bryant (Draw 6)

• The Case for Him: This 4-year-old is a horse on the up. He won over this exact course and distance in November, proving he handles the track and the trip. That is a massive tick in the box.
• The Weight Advantage: Because of the conditions of the race (Weight for Age), Bryant receives weight from the older horses. He is effectively carrying a lightweight backpack while the veterans are carrying heavy rucksacks. He is rated 91, but receiving 13lbs from the top weight makes him mathematically the best-treated horse in the race.
• Verdict: He ticks every box: Form, Fitness, Stamina, and Weight.

Dallas Star (Draw 5)

• The Enigma: On paper, he is the class act. He won a Group 3 race (a very high level) last year. But there are red flags.
• The Stamina Doubt: That big win was over 1m 2f (10 furlongs). Today is 2m (16 furlongs). That is a huge jump. In his previous attempts at staying trips (the St Leger and at Ascot), he weakened badly. He has the engine of a Ferrari but perhaps the fuel tank of a Mini.
• The Tactic: He will likely try to lead and slow the race down to conserve his energy. If he gets an easy time in front, his class could win it. If he is pestered, he will empty quickly.

Tribal Star (Draw 2)

• The Specialist: This horse loves Dundalk. His record here is excellent. He is trained by Adrian McGuinness, a man who targets this track religiously.
• The RTF Factor: The McGuinness stable is operating at a 91% “Run To Form” rate. That means almost every horse they send out is running its race. You cannot ignore a course specialist from a stable in that kind of form. If the race turns into a sprint, he has the speed to catch the leaders.

Tyson Fury (Draw 3)

• The Veteran: A high-class horse in his day, but he is now 9 years old. He ran a brilliant race in December after a huge absence (500+ days off). The worry is the “bounce factor”—often, an old horse runs well fresh and then runs flat the second time out. He carries top weight, which is a big ask for veteran legs.

Summary

Structurally, this race belongs to Bryant. He is the young improver getting weight from exposed older horses. He has proven stamina and course form. Tribal Star is the danger if the race becomes a tactical sprint, while Dallas Star is the glamorous name that might just run out of petrol.

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17:15 – The View Restaurant At Dundalk Stadium Handicap (2m)

Another 2-mile race, but this is a handicap, meaning the weights are adjusted to theoretically give every horse an equal chance. In reality, some are much better treated than others.

The Landscape of the Race

This is a lower-quality race than the previous one. We have a mix of horses carrying huge weights who might not stay the trip, and lighter-weighted horses who are bred for stamina.

The Contenders

Benavente (Draw 11)

• The Favourite to Oppose: Benavente is a talented horse, rated 73. But there is a massive “But.”
• The Pedigree: His father (Sire) is Twilight Son, a sprinter. His mother (Dam) was a miler. Breeding isn’t everything, but it’s a strong guide. Asking a horse bred for speed to run 2 miles carrying top weight (10st 3lb) is physically demanding. In his last run over 1m 4f, he weakened late. Now he has to go even further. Structurally, he is a very risky bet.

Power Of Prayer (Draw 2)

• The Plot: In contrast to Benavente, this filly is bred for the job. Her sire, Protectionist, won the Melbourne Cup (2 miles). She is crying out for this distance.
• The Run Style: Last time out over 1m 4f, she was staying on strongly at the finish despite hanging a bit. That visual evidence suggests the extra distance today is exactly what she needs to unlock improvement.
• The Weight: She carries only 8st 8lb. She is receiving nearly two stone (28lbs) from Benavente. Over a marathon distance, that weight difference is colossal.

Gallo Dell Cielo (Draw 1)

• The Front Runner: He won recently over 1m 4f by making all the running. He will try to do the same today from Stall 1.
• The Risk: Leading over 12 furlongs is hard; leading over 16 furlongs is brutal. He has never run this far before. If he gets tired, he will become a sitting duck for the closers.

Riyami (Draw 3)

• The Sleeper: Ignore his run last week (10th). That was his first run after a long break—a “blowout” to clear the cobwebs. He is a previous course and distance winner who has dropped to a dangerous mark in the weights. With the stable jockey on board, expect a much sharper performance today.

Summary

This race looks like a trap for Benavente backers. The smart money looks for the “improver” suited to the conditions. Power Of Prayer fits that description perfectly. She has the pedigree, the low weight, and the recent run style that suggests she will relish this test. Numidia is a solid each-way alternative for those who want a reliable grinder.

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17:45 – The Group Deals Available At Dundalk Stadium Rated Race (7f)

This is arguably the highest-quality race of the night. It’s a 7-furlong sprint for horses rated up to 100. It features a clash of generations and styles.

The Landscape of the Race

7 furlongs at Dundalk is a tricky distance. It starts in a chute, and there is a short run to the first bend. The draw is crucial. If you are drawn wide (high numbers), you risk getting trapped on the outside, running further than everyone else.

The Contenders

Big Gossey (Draw 6)

• The Legend: Big Gossey is a Dundalk institution. He is a powerful, front-running sprinter who loves to dominate.
• The Problem: Draw 6 is tricky. He wants to lead, but there are horses inside him who also have speed. If he doesn’t clear them quickly, he gets stuck wide. If he burns too much energy crossing over, he has nothing left for the finish. He is also carrying a big weight. He is a warrior, but the map is against him today.

Instant Appeal (Draw 3)

• The Young Gun: This 4-year-old is flying. He has won his last three races. He is what we call “progressive”—we don’t know his ceiling yet.
• The Setup: Draw 3 is the “pocket.” He can let the fast horses (Big Gossey, City House) fight for the lead, sit just behind them in their slipstream, and wait for the gap to open. He has proven stamina over 1 mile, so over this shorter 7 furlongs, he will be finishing stronger than anyone else.
• Verdict: The structural winner. Everything is in his favour.

City House (Draw 1)

• The Dark Horse: This horse has been off the track for nearly 6 months and has changed stables. Normally, that is a negative.
• The Twist: He has the rail (Draw 1). In racing, the rail is the shortest way home. If he is fit enough, he could jump out, hug the rail, and make it very hard for anyone to pass him. The trainer has booked a claimer to take 7lbs off his back, which suggests they mean business. Watch the betting market—if money comes for him, take note.

Carolina Jetstream (Draw 7)

• The Negative: She is a lovely mare, but her best form is over 1 mile. Dropping back to 7 furlongs against genuine sprinters puts her at a disadvantage. She simply might not have the “early doors” speed to keep up, leaving her with too much to do late on.

Summary

This race will be decided by the pace map. Instant Appeal sits in the perfect spot to stalk and pounce. Big Gossey is the class act but faces a tough trip. City House is the dangerous unknown quantity. The logical play is to stick with the progressive Instant Appeal.

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18:15 – The Book Online At DundalkStadium.com Handicap (7f)

If the previous race was high-class, this one is chaotic. A large field of lower-rated horses over 7 furlongs usually means traffic problems, hard-luck stories, and a frantic pace.

The Landscape of the Race

The key here is the Draw vs Pace conflict. The horses that like to lead (Pinar Del Rio, Clonmacash, Velvet Skies) are all drawn wide (13, 10, 11).

• What this means: They have to sprint hard from the start to get across to the rail. This causes a “pace burnout.” They often go too fast too early, setting the race up for horses sitting quietly behind them or on the rail.

The Contenders

Bella Colombia (Draw 7)

• The Structural Play: Last week, she ran over 1 mile and finished 2nd, leading until very late in the race.
• The Logic: Dropping back to 7 furlongs is the perfect move. She showed she has the stamina to run a hard mile; over 7 furlongs, that stamina turns into strength at the finish. While the sprinters are gasping for air in the final furlong, she will be powering through.

Rockbury Lad (Draw 1)

• The Forgive Run: In his last race, he missed the break completely, lost 10 lengths, sprinted to catch up, led, and then understandably collapsed. You can draw a line through that—it wasn’t a true reflection of his ability.
• The Value: Today he has Draw 1. If he jumps normally, he has the easiest run of the race on the rail. His trainer is in 100% form. He is a dangerous horse to dismiss based on one bad start.

Ukiyo (Draw 6)

• The Speedster: She has speed, but her pedigree says 6 furlongs. Stretching to 7 furlongs on this stiff track is a risk. She will likely travel like the winner for 6 furlongs and then find the last furlong feels like a marathon.

Salah Belle (Draw 14)

• The Closer: Drawn widest of all. Usually a disaster, but for her, it might work. She likes to be held up. She can drop in last, ignore the chaos up front, and weave through tired horses late on. She needs luck, but she has the ability.

Summary

The race will likely collapse late on due to the fast early pace. Bella Colombia is the one who will appreciate that most, grinding them down with her stamina. Rockbury Lad is the value play from the rail if you can forgive his last start.

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18:45 – The BAR 1 Betting Download Our New App Handicap (1m)

We step up to the mile. This distance allows for a bit more tactical maneuvering than the 7f sprint.

The Landscape of the Race

This race looks like it revolves around one horse: Venetian.

The Contenders

Venetian (Draw 1)

• The Banker: Venetian won last week over 7 furlongs. He dominated from the front.
• The Upgrade: Today he has Draw 1. He steps up to 1 mile, which suits him even better (he has form over further). And most importantly, his jockey claims 10lbs. This means he is carrying a featherweight.
• The Scenario: Ideally, he jumps, grabs the rail, dictates the pace, and kicks off the bend. It is very hard to see who beats him if he gets loose on the lead.

Ocean Manifest (Draw 9)

• The Danger: This horse won his maiden over 1 mile impressively. Last time, he ran over 7 furlongs—likely a “prep” run to sharpen him up. Returning to a mile today is a major positive. He is lightly raced and open to improvement. If Venetian fluffs his lines, Ocean Manifest is the one waiting to take advantage.

Exquisite Acclaim (Draw 8)

• The Grade Dropper: He is dropping down in class, which is usually a good sign. However, he is carrying a lot of weight. Giving weight to an in-form horse like Venetian is a very tall order. He feels like a horse that will run well but finish 3rd or 4th.

Perfect Judgement (Draw 11)

• The Plot: He won this exact race last year. He is now rated 5lbs lower than when he won it. His recent form is terrible, but in racing, that is often a sign of a horse being “prepared” for a specific target. It’s a risky bet, but if there is market support (money being bet on him), follow it.

Summary

Venetian is the most solid option on the card. The setup—Draw 1, lone speed, stamina, low weight—is textbook. Ocean Manifest is the forecast option (1st and 2nd).

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19:15 – The View Restaurant At Dundalk Stadium Handicap (1m4f)

The “Get Out Stakes.” The final race of the night is a basement-grade handicap. These races are often messy, but they offer value if you can find the horse that is structurally superior to the others.

The Landscape of the Race

There is very little pace in this race. When there is no pace, horses held up at the back often have no chance because the leaders aren’t tiring.

The Contenders

Jawhary (Draw 7)

• The Form Choice: He won recently over this course and distance. He has the tactical speed to sit handy or lead. In a race lacking pace, that ability to position yourself is gold. He is consistent in a race full of inconsistent types.

Vivacious Lady (Draw 5)

• The Structural Bet: Last month she ran over 1 mile. That was too short for her, but she ran well. Today she goes back up to 1m 4f. That is a massive positive.
• The Logic: The shorter run acted as a fitness sharpener. Now, back at her winning distance, she should be stripping fitter and stronger than her rivals. Her trainer has a 100% strike rate recently (albeit from few runners), showing the yard is healthy.

Syosset (Draw 14)

• The Victim: He won at huge odds recently, but Draw 14 is a killer. He will be forced to run wide or drop right back. In a slow-run race, dropping back is fatal. He is a “lay” (a horse to bet against) simply due to the bad draw.

Gracesolution (Draw 1)

• The Veteran: She hasn’t won in a while, but she has plummeted in the weights. From Draw 1, she can save every inch of ground. If she has any spark left, she is dangerously well-handicapped in this poor company.

Summary

Vivacious Lady is the structural selection—the return to 1m 4f is the key signal. Jawhary is the safe saver. Avoid Syosset due to the car park draw.

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Final Verdict: The Friday Night Plan

If you are looking to build a strategy for tonight, here are the key takeaways from our forensic analysis:

The Banker (Most Likely Winner):

• 18:45 – Venetian. Draw 1, front runner, 10lb claim. He controls his own destiny.

The Improver (Best Bet):

• 17:45 – Instant Appeal. The race setup perfectly suits his stalking style and progressive profile.

The Value Play (Each Way):

• 19:15 – Vivacious Lady. The step up in trip is a massive hidden positive that the market might miss.

The Lay (Vulnerable Favourite):

• 17:15 – Benavente. Wrong pedigree, wrong trip, too much weight. A risky proposition at short odds.

The “Forgive” Horse:

• 18:15 – Rockbury Lad. Forget his last run. Ideally drawn and from a top yard.

Enjoy the racing, keep an eye on the market moves, and remember: at Dundalk, the draw and the pace map are your best friends. Good luck!