7.30pm Dundalk Tips & Betting Preview 01/04/2016

IN SUMMARY: All eyes will be on WASHINGTON DC (11/8) here as he puts forward his own case for classic participation. His form behind Air Force Blue is the best on offer by some way, and although it is early in the season to see a horse of his potential, it seems safe to assume he is forward at home or why would they run him? The ayrd are already in among the winers on the flat and over jumps so all is well there, and he will be a classy sighter for Ballydoyle ahead of the rest of the flat season.

1 AL MOHALHAL – May well attempt to make all the running and use his fitness advantage to try and get the others in trouble. Invariably places and did win a Naas handicap to end his two-year-old season but ought to be outclassed today.

2 ALPHONSUS –  Looks like a late maturing sort having won his maiden at the third attempt last year for trainer John Oxx at Dundalk in December. Does not hold any fancy Group One or Two entries and may not be up to the class of some of these.

3 SEVENLEFT  – After five uninspiring races last season the penny finally dropped and he won his maiden at Limerick and then a valuable auction race at Naas. The form of both contests has taken a bit of a knock since, and as we are looking for potential Group class contestants, we don’t think he is one of them on what we have seen so far.

4 WASHINGTON DC – The class act in the race and the most likely winner by far on all known form. A first time tongue tie is interesting but more importantly, he was only two lengths behind 2000 Guineas favourite Air Force Blue at the Curragh when last seen in the Group One Phoenix Stakes for trainer Aidan O’Brien. Still holds English and Irish 2000 Guineas entries and ought to win this if fit enough – stable have had recent winners over jumps which suggests all is well in the yard.  

5 MOST BEAUTIFUL – Lovely looking Canford Cliffs filly who won a Group Three at The Curragh and was then two and a quarter lengths third to Ballydoyle and Minding (both trained by Aidan O’Brien) in the Group Two Debutante Stakes. Classy sort who may give the favourite most to do but surely the O’Brien yard will know exactly where they stand?

6 FRENCH BLUE – Very much an unknown quantity, but races in the blue of Godolphin and is a beautifully bred daughter of Iffraaj out of a Daylami mare. One run has seen one win over this course and distance last August, but she does not hold a 1000 Guineas entry which suggests she is not a part of their first team this season.

7 GIFT WRAP – Plenty of experience with six races last year as a two-year-old culminating in a handicap win by an easy six lengths here. Mick Halford has his horses in good form and she also carries the Godolphin colours, but this looks like an attempt at a place to increase her breeding potential in the future.

8 LILLIARD – The darkest horse in the race and priced accordingly. Third of four, beaten eleven lengths at Cork but that was over five furlongs, will need to improve out of all recognition to get involved today.

9 MADAME THUNDER – Last of nine and beaten thirteen lengths when last seen at The Curragh over a mile in a Listed race and ought to be seriously outclassed here today.

myracing Forecast Prices: 5/4 Washington DC, 11/4 Most Beautiful, 10/1 Al Mohalal. 16/1 Alphonsus Sevenleft French Blue Gift Wrap, 20/1 Madame Thunder, 100/1 Lilliard