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Halford and Whelan may successfully team up again at Dundalk

Michael Halford greets a Dundalk winner with his daughter LeahMichael Halford greets a Dundalk winner with his daughter Leah
© Photo Healy Racing

Michael Halford has his team in good form at Dundalk this winter and the Doneaney trainer could add to his tally with a number of decent chances on the polytrack this afternoon.

Doctor Grace kept on well over seven furlongs last time when beating all bar Happenstance and should appreciate this step up to a mile in the Irishinjuredjockeys.com Nursery Handicap (3.45).

Ronan Whelan will sport the familiar colours of the Dundalk Racing Club on Doctor Grace and he also has strong claims aboard another couple of Halford-trained runners on this seven-race card.

Dabirann, an Aga Khan homebred son of Oasis Dream, may have most to fear from Morse in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF (C&G) Maiden (3.15) while Miss Abby Jools also merits respect in the Join Us On Instagram @dundalk_stadium Handicap (4.45).

Miss Abby Jools won over this mile trip back in September and has advertised her claims when filling the runner-up spot on both outings since.

Jaafel is a serious threat despite a 7lb penalty for a convincing win here last week, while his trainer Denis Hogan also has a strong player in the following DundalkStadium.com Handicap (Division 1) with Sky Legend.

Sky Legend was bought out of James Ferguson’s yard for 8,000 guineas after finishing third over two miles at Kempton and appears to have found a good opportunity in this 1m4f event.

Favourite backers should get off to a good start in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF (Fillies) Maiden with Den Of Iniquity

The Joseph O‘Brien-trained daughter of Roaring Lion went close on debut behind Shangrilama last month and the winner gave the form a boost when following up in a nursery last Wednesday.

The action gets underway at 2.45pm.

About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.