Grey Danube© Photo Healy Racing
Trainer Darren Bunyan is confident Grey Danube can clinch his second Dundalk victory in the space of a week in Friday's Dundalk Stadium Racecourse Of The Year Handicap.
Each of the five-year-old's four victories have come on the all-weather circuit in County Louth and he is on a career-high mark of 85 for his latest visit after bolting up over six furlongs a week ago.
"We'd be hopeful he could follow up. He came out of his race last week very fresh and well in himself," said Bunyan.
"Like I said the last day he's a whole different horse this side of Christmas.
"I thought he (the handicapper) was hard on him as 13lb is a lot for one win. Hopefully he's right.
"He was very, very good the other night. We knew he was going to get a good hike because it never looked in any doubt.
"Over five furlongs everything needs to go right for you and if it does I'd be very hopeful for him again.
"He has the world of early speed. He's very, very fast early and no matter what pace they go they won't take him off it."
Grey Danube will concede weight to each of his eight opponents in the hands of Kevin Manning.
Trainer Michael Browne saddles a trio of runners in Queen Grace Under Review and Ability N Delivery
Browne said: "I think Queen Grace has the best chance of mine. She seems to be in good form and I don't think she'll be far away.
"Ability N Delivery has been off a long time and I don't think he'll be fit enough. He had an accident and he could need the run.
"If Under Review breaks he could run a good race. He can just get left at the stalls a bit.
"I'll have no excuses with the draws they got anyway."
