Irish 1-2-3 
/ Patrick Jupp / 25 March 2011 / Leave a Comment 
It's a 18.30 start for a seven-race card at Dundalk
"Balmont Mast improved in leaps and bounds with every run last backend, his final effort when third in a Dundalk maiden marking him out as one to follow, last off the bridle and denied a clear run that day."
Tonight sees the first meeting of the year under the lights at Dundalk and we've got three win bets for you...
The six furlong handicap at 19.30 looks rather light on well-handicapped sorts, and though Enigma Code should go well with Joseph O'Brien back on board, the one who stands out is Bubby Bellini. A prolific winner in plating company for George Baker in Britain a couple of winters ago, he struggled for Lee Smythe for most of last season and dropped in the weights as a result, but the signs are that a return to form is around the corner now that he's in the care of Adrian McGuinness, third at Lingfield on both starts for his new yard. His latest effort over seven furlongs seemed to just stretch his stamina so this shorter trip will suit, whilst the booking of Colm O'Donoghue is another plus.
President Lincoln and Gleadhradh are likely to take out plenty of the market in the three-year-old maiden half an hour later, but both look opposable, the former hinting at temperament at two years and already in blinkers, while the latter didn't offer much when fifth at Tipperary last August and hasn't run since. This brings us onto Balmont Mast, who improved in leaps and bounds with every run last backend, his final effort when third in a Dundalk maiden marking him out as one to follow, last off the bridle and denied a clear run that day. He has the trip and draw in his favour now and should take the world of beating with Fran Berry in the plate.
Barrow Island (20.30) proved a rather expensive horse to follow at three years, sent off at single-figure odds on every start without managing to get a win on the board. He did shape well on more than one occasion, however, and represents some strong form lines, notably when surrounded by next-time-out winners at the Curragh in June and then pulling clear with subsequent Triumph Hurdle runner-up Unaccompanied at Galway a month later. Barrow Island has got a strong-travelling style of running which suggests he should be well suited to polytrack racing, and he's been presented with a good opportunity to open his account, the exposed Hot Sand and French-import Mudalalah the only viable alternatives in what looks a weak affair.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Back Bubbly Bellini in the 19.30
Back Balmont Mast in the 20.00
Back Barrow Island in the 20.30
Three selections for Thursday's meeting at Thurles....
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