5.30pm Dundalk Tips & Betting Preview 28/10/2016

This contest is a battle between two of the most frustrating horses in training; Sufoof and A Likely Story. This could be the day that SUFOOF finally gets her head in front. The three year old Acclamation filly never runs a bad race and her form for her last seven starts is as follows: 4-4-2-3-3-3-3-2-2. The fact she is in receipt of five pounds from A Likely Story could be the deciding factor and Gary Halpin takes a further three pounds off which in all gives her an eight pound advantage.

1 CREVASSE – Four year old gelding who was tailed off on both starts to date, both of which were here at Dundalk and looks impossible to fancy off the back of those runs. Went off 50/1 and 66/1 so was clearly unfancied and still has time on his side but he doesn’t look a betting proposition at this very moment in time.

2 A LIKELY STORY – Extremely frustrating gelding who always runs a good race but he has now racked up twelve runs without a win and is becoming expensive to follow. Form at Dundalk is 2-3-3-3 so always goes well here and this is probably the weakest race he has participated in yet so he must have a live chance. Pat Smullen is booked for the ride.

3 AL BATAL – Three year old colt who is having his debut for John McConnell. It is highly interesting that he has booked the highly sought after Seamie Heffernan to do the steering. This is a very weak maiden so if he has any ability he should be able to make his presence felt and he has a good draw in Stall 4.

4 KING TOUT – Has progressed from run to run and was a fine third behind Time To Reason in a soft ground seven furlong Fairyhouse maiden last time out. A repeat of that run would give him a massive chance for Mick Halford who is the top trainer around Dundalk. Shane Foley booked for the job and he is highly respected.

5 ALMONER – Ran a stormer on debut here at Dundalk for Tracey Collins when 4th of 14 runners with Chris Hayes in the saddle. She is entitled to come on and improve for that run and if she does she is a major player. She had a beautiful draw in Stall 1 on debut and gets a kind draw in 5 here so a big run should be on the cards.

6 GRAINNE’S DREAM – Seven race maiden but she has more than enough ability to land a race of this nature. She ran a very poor race at Navan when sent off the 15/8 favourite last time out, finishing 7th. However, if she can repeat her course and distance 2nd behind Flowerhill Nova from two starts back, she would be a tough horse to beat.

7 MAGIC BEAR – Well supported on debut for the Eddie Lynam stable and flew home to finish 2nd after getting outpaced in the middle part of the race over the sharp five. The step up to six furlongs is going to be massively in her favour and she has a beautiful pitch from Stall 2 so she could well be the one we have to worry about the most.

8 SCILLY – Tailed off on debut here at Dundalk over seven furlongs, beat a total of 22 lengths. Drop back in trip and the 10 pound claimer will have to spark a lot of improvement. Easily passed over on this occasion.

9 SUFOOF – Beat a short head on her only try on this surface when 2nd to Indrahar over this distance here at Dundalk last year. If she could repeat that effort she is the horse they all have to beat. Good three pound claimer in the saddle and she never runs a bad race. If any horse deserves a win it is this filly and she can get her just rewards.