The famous Laytown Races are back on Thursday afternoon, with six races held in the iconic beach setting. We have four handicaps, a maiden and a claiming race to look forward to. Read on for a full preview of the Laytown card, courtesy of Boyle Sports, who provide all the latest horse racing odds.
Our first race across the sand is a six-furlong claimer (4.30). Top-rated St Ouen, who comes here in very good form, having not finished behind third place in eight starts this term at Les Landes, ought to be a winning candidate, though this is a very different task for him today. Devil’s Angel may be a safer option, after a few good runs this term.
Next is a six-furlong handicap for those aged over four (5.05). Cu Chulainn might be able to get involved, given three pounds by Wayne Hassett, by the Colin Keane-ridden Lismacbryan looks a more likely type, having finished a strong second of 21 last time over five furlongs at Naas. Hasiyna, who is given five pounds by rider Keithen Kennedy, may have a good chance also for John McConnell.
A QR six-furlong handicap follows (5.40). Ado McGuinness’ Clonmacash won last time out and may do so again here, with five pounds given to him by his rider, while Jered Maddox, who is two-from-two at this course, should be considered too. A little further down the weights and given five pounds by his rider, though, is Dontspoilasale, who brings consistently good form to the table here and should be in the mix.
A seven-furlong maiden follows, for horses aged four and older (6.10). Ocean Manifest has come the closest to winning out of all the 10 runners so far, having been beaten just a head last time out at Killarney. Shark Hanlon’s Baron Blake is the least exposed of all on the Flat, having been tried in maidens latterly after seeing no success over hurdles. He doesn’t make much appeal, but this is a different case altogether so we could see some improvement.
Second to last is a seven-furlong handicap (6.40). Nibras Rainbow and Distillate both placed when last seen, with the latter looking the most likely of the two to replicate that form, if not improve upon it. Thomas Dowling’s Mullacash Buzz, though, might have a chance having been runner-up over this trip at Gowran Park two starts ago, and is given a valuable five pounds by his rider.
Last of all is a seven-furlong QR handicap (7.10). Fit from a hurdling campaign, Come On The Lads ought to be competitive, having been within the first three home on each of last five starts over obstacles, and having displayed a similar level of form on the Flat last term. Shoot To Kill is also worth watching on his first start for Noel Kelly, having won over this trip before and is given some weight by his claiming rider.
Laytown selections – Thursday:
4.30 – Devil’s Angel
5.05 – Hasiyna
5.40 – Dontspoilasale
6.10 – Ocean Manifest
6.40 – Mullacash Buzz
7.10 – Come On The Lads
