Contender Game Point aims to bring an end to the recurring problem of seconditis during its inaugural handicap race, but encounters a number of experienced racers from Dundalk who pose considerable competition.
The Red God Handicap at Dundalk Polytrack is set to be a thrilling race on the calendar, with a competitive field of 15 runners set to contest the Class 2, 1 mile 2 furlong 150-yard event on the synthetic track. The race, which offers €30,000 to the winner, is scheduled for 2025 [4][5].
Key Horses to Watch
Last year's Red God Handicap winner, Tribal Star, trained by Ado McGuinness and ridden by jockey Adam Caffrey, will be looking to defend his title. Caffrey celebrated a milestone with Tribal Star's victory, as it marked his 100th career win [2][3].
Another horse to keep an eye on is Game Point, trained by Ger Lyons. Game Point put up a strong performance in the race last year, finishing second behind Tribal Star [1]. This year, Game Point is making his handicap debut in the Red God Handicap and will be wearing first-time cheekpieces.
Notable Contenders
Star Harbour, a stablemate of Tribal Star, briefly took the lead inside the final stages of the race last year before Tribal Star regained it [3].
Final Voyage challenged Tribal Star late in the race last year and finished second by half a length [3].
Walhaan, trained by Ciaran Murphy, has been in excellent form recently. Walhaan showed consistency at Dundalk and ran well in a beginners' chase and on the flat at Leopardstown. Murphy believes Walhaan might prefer flat races over fences [1].
Nocturnal, trained by Natalia Lupini, is coming off a strong second place at Down Royal and is expected to improve with a decent weight [1].
Retracement, trained by Johnny Murtagh, is showing promise after a stable debut and is considered a winner in waiting at this level [1].
Cheers Again, with multiple wins at Dundalk, has a good recent performance at Leopardstown under his belt [1]. All of Cheers Again's wins have been at Dundalk, two of them under jockey Jack Cleary.
Other Horses
The Red God Handicap will also feature horses like Nocturnal, who took a huge step forward in her last race at Down Royal, and Retracement, who stepped up in trip for today's race.
Conclusion
The Red God Handicap promises to be an exciting race, with a competitive field of horses vying for the €30,000 prize. With key horses like Tribal Star, Game Point, Walhaan, Nocturnal, Retracement, and Cheers Again set to compete, racegoers are in for a treat.
- The racing landscape of the Red God Handicap at Dundalk Polytrack contains not only the defending champion, Tribal Star, but also the second-place finisher from last year's event, Game Point.
- Apart from horse-racing events, Walhaan, a consistent runner, has demonstrated potential in flat races, which could make the Red God Handicap an intriguing spectacle for spectators.
