Michael Halford and Ronan Whelan embrace after Surrounding gained an emotional win at Galway© Photo Healy Racing
Michael Halford and Ronan Whelan have enjoyed a decent run in recent weeks and they have bright prospects of teaming up for a couple of winners at Dundalk this evening.
Paul Rooney has been a loyal supporter of the Halford yard for many years and Slieve Binnian carries his familiar green colours in the William Hill Bet Boost Nursery (5.45).
The son of Awtaad has yet to trouble the judge in four starts but showed enough last time when well-supported on soft ground at Gowran to attract interest in this 47-65 rated event. Ceallach also carries the Rooney colours in the William Hill Racing Radio Handicap (6.45) and the course maiden winner went close to further success here on the polytrack when only going down by a neck to better-fancied stablemate Golden Twilight last month.
Yudish Geerdharry had a day to remember at Naas last Sunday riding his first winner aboard Wave Machine in the Birdcatcher Nursery and the Mauritius native could add to his tally in the William Hill Pick Your Places Apprentice Handicap aboard topweight Bears Hug
The Adrian Sexton-trained gelding won over this seven-furlong trip last month, although he must now overcome a wide draw with Might And Mercy one of the chief threats.
Sexton also has a fancied runner in division two of the Christmas Party Nights At Dundalk Stadium Handicap with Dixon Line
Seamie Heffernan ’s mount caught the eye when staying on well over an inadequate seven furlongs at the Curragh last time and this 1m4f trip should be much more to his liking.
Heffernan also has an interesting mount in the concluding View Restaurant At Dundalk Stadium Maiden aboard Express Way
The Paddy Twomey-trained newcomer is certainly bred to be smart being by Dark Angel out of Alluring Park, who has already produced a list of top quality individuals notably 2012 Oaks winner Was.
The eight-race card at Dundalk kicks off at 4.45 with the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Race and Las Cuatro looks an obvious contender here for Ger Lyons and Colin Keane.
The daughter of Kitten’s Joy made a promising start when coming home well behind Starspangledwaves here a fortnight ago and should appreciate this extra furlong.
