Ice Canyon looks red hot for Dundalk king Halford
Dundalk's midweek offering feels very much like that but those cards light on virtuosity can offer better punting opportunities.
The polytrack surface in Dundalk will have to be replaced in the next few years, the track executive in discussion with Horse Racing Ireland about doing it in 2018, though it will be costly.
Michael Halford might reasonably call Dundalk his favourite track. He thrives at the Co Louth venue and can take the sprint maiden with Ice Canyon. The son of Raven's Pass progressed from his debut and has done little or nothing wrong since.
His half-length second to Holistic Approach last time was a smart effort and he was notably well-backed too. His experience could be key now and his nap allegiance is warranted.
Impossible
The seven-furlong maiden is nearly impossible to solve with any confidence, unless you are connected with the Aidan O'Brien barn, responsible for four of the runners. Three of them are newcomers, Seamus Heffernan riding tentative pick, Homesman.
Donnacha O'Brien has run away with the apprentice championship this year, yet has no mount in the only race tonight restricted to apprentices. That event might go to Knights Templar, a course and distance winner which has not achieved much this year but is down to an extremely low rating.
The mile handicap is tricky. Keukenhof is put forward under the excellent Connor King, who has had a frustrating few months and no winner since July.
Palavicini Run landed a major gamble two runs back, then flopped when friendless in the market last time. The weights suit her in the opening claimer but keep an eye on the betting.
