4.45 1m. 2f. 150yds. 14 Declared. Crowne Plaza Hotel Dundalk H'cap (DIV I) of €10,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €6,000.00 2nd - €2,000.00 3rd - €1,000.00 4th - €500.00 5th - €300.00 6th - €200.00
FormscanBy Tom Weekes - MS THOMPSON might win this open looking handicap. Her early form was poor but in recent months has shown good progression and dead-heated with today's rival Solar System to win over CD in November. She was subsequently well enough held in December but has obvious claims in this ordinary handicap and is better drawn, in 10, that Solar System in 16. Solar System also has his chance on identical terms to the pair's dead-heat and was also subsequently beaten here in December. Dual winner Ragtime Red's rating has fallen to a career low mark and has a chance having run well enough here recently, with today's 10lbs claimer again in the saddle. Merroir is interesting on debut for Joseph O'Brien having shown some bits of useful form for Ray Cody, She was placed a the Galway festival last August and while she failed to build on that run, today's race is quite winneable but she does lack a recent outing.
An extended handicap for four years old and upwards rated 45-65 that, at entry, HAVE NOT FINISHED FIRST, SECOND OR THIRD ON THEIR LATEST STARTWeights - Top weight in the original handicap and after the time of declaration shall not be less than 10st 2lbs and the minimum weight shall not be less than 8st 6lbsPenalties - (after calculation of the handicap) A winner shall carry 6lb extra for each race won.