Dundalk Tips: Marnane gelding can step up

We're off to all-weather land in Dundalk on Friday, December 8th - Polytrack action late afternoon/early evening, between 17.00 and 20.30.

Eight races, and ultra-competitive fare, with very decent-sized fields. Always popular with professionals and the public alike.

18.00 - Freescape @ 9/2

A very experienced 8-yr-old gelded son of Cityscape, who's won here before, and off higher that today's mark of 96.

He ran a very close-up third at this trip 4 weeks ago, similar purse, and has been dropped a pound in the handicap. Every little helps. Regular pilot Luke McAteer takes the mount, and he's nicely boxed in six.

He appeared in the Shergar Cup at Ascot in the summer, and numbers Meydan among the tracks where he's stretched his legs previously. Fine servant to the Marnane stable.

18.30 - Maura's Gift @ 10/3

Another who ran very well here, this time 3 weeks ago, in a similar heat.

Our 4-yr-old filly has been raised a pound for her trouble, but is a seasoned campaigner at Dundalk and has won off higher in the past. She was denied by just 3/4 of a length when favourite last time, and finished really well.

She's in the care of County Longford trainer Paul Flynn and useful claimer Rob Whearty rides. Not perfectly berthed in 12, but plenty of time in this mile-and-a-half test, plus a decent home straight, to get organised. Great chance in my book.

Horse Racing tips, from Betfred Insights