'That form has been boosted' - three horses to follow in Ireland on Friday

There are two cards in Ireland, first we go to Dundalk in the afternoon for some all-weather racing before heading to Tramore in the evening for a national hunt card.

The action kicks off at 13:45 at Dundalk and runs through to the finale at 17:45, while Tramore starts at 17:00 before finishing at 20:19.

Our expert, Jason Leahy, has provided selections and analysis for three of the races on Friday.

Friday’s Tips

15:30 Dundalk - Beijinho

We head to Dundalk for a 7f apprentice maiden where Adrian Murray looks to have a strong chance with Beijinho, a two-year-old filly representing Amo Racing.

She shaped with promise when finishing second on debut here over a mile. Although beaten five lengths by the favourite, the pair pulled well clear of the rest, with the third another six lengths adrift. That experience should stand her in good stead, and there’s every reason to expect improvement.

Beijinho is related to several winners, particularly over this trip, so the drop back to 7f should pose no problems. With several exposed types in opposition, any progress from her debut effort could see her very hard to beat.

16:05 Dundalk- Shaihaan

This looks like a good race with some potential big improvers lurking, notably Adrian Murray’s Prospect Thunder and Aidan O’Brien’s Pierre Bonnard. Well-bred debutant King Of Sparta, also trained by O’Brien, has to be respected, although Wayne Lordan has opted to ride Pierre Bonnard.

However, the one to side with could be Donnacha O’Brien’s two-year-old colt Shaihaan, who shaped with plenty of promise when seventh on debut in a smart maiden at the Curragh.

The form is already working out well from that race as the winner, New Zealand, looks a colt to follow, the runner-up, Isaac Newton, has since won at the Goodwood Festival, and the third has also gone in since.

Beaten just over three lengths, Shaihaan was not disgraced, and he’s entitled to improve now upped in distance, especially as his dam was a Listed winner over 1m4f.

18:10 Tramore - Captain Ryan Matt

Captain Ryan Matt looks to have found a good opportunity to get off the mark at the fourth attempt under rules.

Dolce N Milan, who receives 7lb on debut for the powerful Willie Mullins and Paul Townend combination, has to be feared, but Captain Ryan Matt sets a solid standard.

Henry de Bromhead’s five-year-old has improved with each run since finishing fifth on debut.

He was runner-up next time out behind the useful Karbau at Punchestown in January - that form has since been boosted, with the winner finishing third in Grade 1 contests at Aintree and Punchestown.

Captain Ryan Matt then filled the runner-up spot again, this time beaten four lengths by Gordon Elliott’s Grimaud at Gowran Park.

He returns from a break that should have done him good, and the better ground today could unlock further improvement. A bold bid looks likely.