5.00pm Dundalk Tips & Betting Preview 23/12/2016

A small field of six by Dundalk’s standards go to post for the second race of the day. See our betting tips and the full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: It may be worth taking a chance on COUNTESS GUICCIOLI who improved markedly when winning well at Listowel back in September and further improvement should be expected after a small break. Wayne Lordan steps into the saddle and, in a race full of question marks, she may be worth taking the risk today. Obvious dangers include Rock In Peace who performs well here and George Boole who is steadily improving for John Joseph Murphy.

1 EAGLE SPIRIT – Showed plenty of ability on his first three runs, including a win at Leopardstown in June (1m, Good), but has not been as good on the last two runs, although those were in Group races. Drops back into Nursery company today – which will be an obvious help – but he does give a lot of weight away and is making his All Weather debut, both of which are question marks.

2 ROCK IN PEACE – Has shown promise on multiple occasions in his career, including when placing here three times out of four runs, the latest when third over C&D earlier in the month. The only time he did not place he was fourth in a blanket finish and, therefore, he clearly does like the surface here at Dundalk. Gets plenty of weight from Eagle Spirit and, as a front runner, he may well be allowed to dictate from the front and so has to be respected.

3 GEORGE BOOLE – Showed minor promise on his first three starts, but is beginning to improve, finishing second here over the 6f trip in November and winning here earlier this month over 7f. Goes up in trip again which should suit and may well squeeze out further improvement, so has to be respected.

4 OAKLEDGE – Has not shown much on four starts to date, with a career best when third here over the minimum trip back in August. Never really involved when stepping up to 1m over C&D earlier this month and does not strike as a likely type to win today.

5 COUNTESS GUICCIOLI – Was poor on her first starts but improved markedly when winning at Listowel over 7f in September. Makes her All Weather debut today which should  not be an issue and further improvement can be expected with Wayne Lordan stepping into the saddle. Therefore, she may well be worth the risk today.

6 SLANEY STREET – Has shown small hints of ability on his six starts so far, but did not strike as a likely winner when finishing seventh here over 7f earlier this month. Probably best watched today.