Horse racing betting tips for Dundalk on Friday March 4

The Ger Lyons-trained filly Juncture might upstage the boys in the listed Patton Stakes in Dundalk tonight.

A daughter of Dark Angel, the grey has been off the track since last July but, rated 98 and holding engagements in the both Irish and English 1,000 Guineas, the Juddmonte-owned filly should make a mark during the turf season, which opens at the Curragh on March 26.

And, in a race where fitness levels will prove crucial for horses returning after lay-offs, the Glenburnie filly, with champion jockey Colin Keane on board, might have the edge here, on her polytrack debut.

A promising second to the classy Contarelli Chapel on debut at Naas, Juncture duly delivered on her second start, when beating Radiyka in a Leopardstown maiden in early June.

And she acquitted herself well on her final juvenile start, when runner-up to rock-solid yard-stick Agartha in the Group 3 Silver Flash at Leopardstown in July.

It’s an obvious concern that Juncture hasn’t raced since then. But she’s
well-regarded and might be ready enough to outpoint some interesting colts.

Highest-rated runner is Absolute Ruler, Donnacha O’Brien’s first runner since November 5 and winner of a course and distance maiden on his debut last August before finishing a close third to Atomic Jones in a Group 2 at Leopardstown on Irish Champions Weekend, when he had one of today’s rivals John the Baptist back in eighth spot.

Absolute Ruler then started favourite for the listed Star Appeal at this venue in October but flopped badly, beating only one of his ten rivals in a race won by Snaffles.

He’s clearly better than that and holds Derby entries at Epsom and the Curragh and has been nominated for the Kentucky Derby.

Gavin Ryan’s mount will be expected to bounce back from that run.

Joseph O’Brien has won the last two renewals of this race and relies on dual course and distance winner In Ecstasy, who looked a good prospect when scoring heretwice..

Rated 90, he has a bit to find with the main contenders and John The Baptist, winner of a Curragh maiden on debut and less than a length behind Absolute Ruler in the Group 2 at Leopardstown.

Haroya, fourth on her polytrack debut last month, is a hopeful nap choice in the Story Of Dundalk Stadium Book Maiden.

Peter O’Hehir's tips for Dundalk

4.55.Rocky Dreams

5.30.Hypernova

6.00.Annecherie

6.30.Harriet’s Force

7.00.Haroya (Nap)

7.30.Talbot

8.00.Juncture

8.30.Simply Glorious

Next Best

4.55.Sister Lola