Nap of the Day: Dallas to Star at Dundalk

Well, I'd say that's likely to be the last time I put my faith in Woodland Park. A beaten-favourite for the fourth time in a row at Wetherby on Thursday. Talk about a cliff horse...

An unusual one from me on Friday, as we head to Dundalk looking to return to the winners' enclosure for Nap of the Day followers.

As far as I'm concerned, the standout race at Dundalk on Friday is this 'Floodlit Fridays At Dundalk Stadium Race' - a 1m2½f affair for four-year-olds and above.

It's attracted a field of seven, headed by the 105-rated, Irish Cesarewitch runner-up A Piece Of Heaven for Joseph O'Brien.

The eight-year-old has every chance on his best form, but his return over jumps at Thurles earlier this month was lacklustre, as was his most recent engagement on the flat at Leopardstown in the summer.

For me, it's between Gaucher and DALLAS STAR for Willie Mullins and Robson De Aguiar respectively.

The former is greatly respected, especially under top jockey Billy Lee, but my concern with him is the 84-day layoff. I suspect he's had one or two issues, and may need the run.

On the other hand, Dallas Star has the benefit of a more recent outing, albeit over two miles, here at Dundalk just over a month ago.

He fared encouragingly on return to County Louth - the scene of his last victory exactly 12 months ago - which ought to have put him spot on for Friday's assignment.

The step back to 1m2f should suit, as his form over that distance reads 3114, including a Group 3 success over Irish Cesarewitch hero The Euphrates and Illinois (multiple G2 winner rated 116) in the Ballysax Stakes back in April 2024.

That is comfortably the best form on offer in the field and if the five-year-old son of Cloth Of Stars can perform to anywhere near that level, he could be hard to beat.

Adding to the case even further is the fact jockey Donagh O'Connor has a 17% strike rate at Dundalk this year - and Amo Racing's new trainer Robson De Aguiar is making quite a name for himself already, with eight winners from his first 33 runners (24% strike rate).

Click the link for all the latest Horse Racing Odds

Tune into Betfred Insights regularly to find our experts' Nap of the Day