SLIGO YANKEE: Shamrock tries a short-priced yankee at Sligo today, relying on the draw and the inimitable Dermot Weld. He reckons better odds are in the boys’ race where he dutchs two against the field.


It’s that man again. Dermot Weld is almost as fond of Sligo as he is of Galway, with a near one-in-four record over the years, and that’s put Pat Smullen top of the track’s jockeys table.

Weld and Smullen team up with Hisaabaat (7.00), receiving 9lb from John Oxx’s Dawaryia as that one drops back in trip after disappointing last time out.

The question that won’t be answered until the race is run is whether Tobar Ma Gaoise will appreciate this longer trip after losing the money, well backed on his handicap debut.

Weld also has chances with El Toreros (7.30) but lurking a stone and more down this apprentice handicap is locally-trained The Drunken Dr and Johnjo Murphy’s Indian Scout, who will appreciate being back on a softer surface.

Legal Peace (4.55) could start the day right, having beaten several of these already, with a top boy reducing the weight and with the favourite, Blue Mimosa, drawn out wide.

Pat Flynn’s yard came good after I’d lost my punts on him at Galway – typical – and I need Bonnie Acclamation (6.00) to get me my money back, now with the plum draw after his first run back after a break came from an unfavourable stall at Cork.

There’s an early-doors whisper for Smithfield (8.00), who must turn the Curragh tables on Harangue and outpace the bridesmaid, Narjawa.

SHAMROCK’S BETS
NAP: Bonnie Acclamation (6.00 Sligo)
NEXT BEST: Legal Peace (4.55 Sligo)
DUTCH: The Drunken Dr and Indian Scout (7.30 Sligo)
DAQ YANKEE: Legal Peace (4.55 Sligo), Bonnie Acclamation (6.00 Sligo), Hisaabaat (7.00 Sligo) and Smithfield (8.00 Sligo)