We’re fairly used to Irish trainers sending horses over to Britain but it only tends to go the other way for major meetings. It could therefore be significant that James Horton is sending one runner over to Dundalk on Friday.
The horse in question is set to run in one of two Listed contests on the card, the Legacy Stakes, and he will be Horton’s second ever runner in Ireland. Here we take a close look at his chances and assess the main dangers. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.
Sirius A is the highest rated runner in the field technically, and he must have a chance with that in mind. The son of Palace Pier hasn’t run over the minimum trip yet and his sole win came over 7f. It’s interesting that connections have picked this race over the 7f Listed contest later on the card.
This race looks like the easier of the two so it makes sense on that front. He has a relatively average pedigree and it’s interesting that his half-brother is a 2m1f winner over hurdles. There’s also plenty of middle-distance Flat form mixed in there too.
Horton’s two-year-old finished third in a Group 3 over 6f at Kempton and was only a neck away from coming out on top. Initially crossing the line in second, he was demoted to third by the stewards. That is one of the best pieces of form on offer and he should have a big chance in Listed company.
Aidan O’Brien’s Controlled won a 5f maiden easily at Naas last time out and is likely to be main danger. Ipanema Queen is already a Listed winner, although her last two efforts have been underwhelming. Ballyhane winner Howd’yadoit is also likely to be bang in the mix.
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