Riyami can bag another course and distance win in the two-mile handicap at Dundalk on Wednesday afternoon.
Denis Hogan’s charge has struck twice over this trip at the all-weather venue during the winter campaign and despite an 8lb hike for his last win there looks to be another in him.
He comes here having had a nice run over timber in a competitive handicap hurdle at Leopardstown on St Stephen’s Day.
The Fastnet Rock gelding had won here just four days previously and the form of that race has worked out well since.
The horses that filled the next three places behind him then have all been in the money again since.
Riyami looked to win with a little bit in hand that day and may just be a step ahead of the handicapper still.
It’s a competitive enough race for today’s 47-75 event and Secret Rock looks like an obvious danger.
The Tony Martin-trained gelding was well supported when winning over a mile-and-a-half here last month and it’s interesting that he steps up significantly in trip now.
In the opening mile maiden, Gioiella can make the breakthrough after a couple of runner-up efforts.
The French-import chased home Beauty Bella over course and distance 12 days ago and a similar effort may be enough to get her head in front now.
She took a bit of riding last time, coming off the bridle turning for home, but stuck on well at the end and may benefit from more positive tactics.
Charlie Brow’n is an interesting rival as he steps up in distance again having mainly been campaigned at sprint trips previously.
The Myboycharlie gelding was doing his best work at the finish over seven here last month and going a mile could bring improvement.
Pepper Noir looks the safest bet in the seven-furlong fillies’ maiden having run well here recently to finish runner-up.
She chased home easy winner Nerano over a mile here 12 days ago and although no match for him it was still a solid effort.
Her rivals don’t offer much strong recent form but the Joseph O’Brien-trained Andalusian Star is a potential improver.
The Invincible Spirit filly ran in a stronger race at Leopardstown on her sole outing last summer and she could be a force now against this level of opposition.
SELECTIONS
1.40 Gioiella (Dbl)
2.10 Riyami (Nap)
2.40 Below Deck
3.10 Pepper Noir
3.40 Beautiful Dawn
4.10 Darkened
4.40 Wishes And Dreams
5.15 Emeric
