Drogheda Life Classifieds

We remain over a mile for the second race; a three-year-olds’ handicap (5.22). There isn’t a huge amount of good recent form on offer here, but Kevin Smith’s gelding Undefeatable should run a good race if making a bit of progress from his solid return to action at Down Royal in May. Jessica Harrington’s runner, Academe in a first-time visor, could be a revelation if the headgear works as it should, but Merchants Arch looks a safer option under three-pound claimer Jamie Powell once again.

Again over a mile, race three is a handicap for older horses (5.57). The veteran Takeachancejimmy, an 11-year-old, could have a chance from stall five having dropped a further pound in the handicap, but Carrickfinn is given 10 pounds by his apprentice rider, effectively putting him right at the bottom of the handicap, and that ought to give him another chance to go one better than last time out when narrowly beaten under the same rider.

Next is a five-furlong two-year-olds’ maiden (6.32). Just two of the 10 runners are unseen; the nicely bred but inexpensive Star Of Sapphire and Plushy, who wears a hood for her debut; equipment which makes her less than attractive for her first try. Offering the best previous form figures is Believe In Glory, who was second of eight last time out, but the nature of Parkside Lad’s most recent form - under five lengths behind a smart Group One level prospect for Coolmore, Warsaw - is stronger. With Gary Carroll in the saddle, he ought to be our winner here.

The fifth race is a handicap over five furlongs (7.07). It’s a competitive contest, with Billie Be Quick, Kilmood Susan and Aurora Nova all having won their last races. Emerald Harmony, who was well beaten by Aurora Nova that day, has come back down to his last winning mark, which brought him course and distance victory in April from the same draw in stall seven, with the same jockey aboard. All seems mapped out for him to pounce again.

Our penultimate race is an apprentice handicap over an extended mile and three quarters (7.42). Paul Mulligan’s Ally Cay returned from a lengthy absence to run a creditable mid-field finishing race at Navan and, now with the extra fitness and a step back up in trip, he could spring a surprise. Maxwell Smart, who was a narrow second last time out in the same race as Ally Cay, is probably easier to make a case for, though.

The finale is run over an extended mile and a half and has a field of just five, most of whom revert to the Flat from campaigns over obstacles (8.17). Wonderwalk is the odd one out on two counts, being the only filly and never having run in the National Hunt code. She has promised little, however, in 12 starts to date and makes it easy to look elsewhere. Lark In The Mornin has the highest level of form, being a Cheltenham Festival winner in 2024, and he has made a good start on the Flat this year, third of nine at Listowel a month ago. He should be untouchable in this company, but Arch Empire looks the most likely to chase him home.

Bellewstown selections - Thursday:

4.47 - Full Of Notions

5.22 - Merchants Arch

5.57 - Carrickfinn

6.32 - Parkside Lad

7.07 - Emerald Harmony

7.42 - Maxwell Smart

8.17 - Lark In The Mornin