Will Teasle

A year ago Sporting Hero won a sprint in the middle of February and then followed up in the same month when Alan Casey took over in the saddle. This month the horse scored on 13 February and tries to follow up today with Alan Casey once again taking over in the saddle. Sporting Hero steps up to 6 furlongs but has won over the trip.

Three-year-old filly Aughlish, with a speedy pedigree, makes her racecourse debut in this sprint. Her dam won a Wolverhampton sprint in February of her three-year-old season. Aughlish also has a winning half-sister. She is partnered by Declan McDonogh, who went well at the last Dundalk meeting; his four mounts finished 2-3-3-1.

Champagne Twist represents the stable of Ben Pauling, who saddled a double with his only runners yesterday. It is the right time of year for Champagne Twist; both of his hurdling wins came within thirty days of today's date. The horse stays well, having won a three-mile point and being narrowly beaten over 25 furlongs at Aintree in November. Both of his victories have been on galloping tracks, and soft ground suits.

A low draw over 7 furlongs here is often regarded as advantageous, so Iff In Doubt's position in stall 1 makes him of interest in this handicap. The horse has finished in the frame in his last three races, all over today's course and distance, ridden by a ten-pound claiming apprentice. W J Lee takes over in the saddle.

Blanc De Blanc tries to make it two from two over course and distance. The filly represents powerful connections, Amo Racing Limited, and the in-form stable of Robson de Aguiar. Blanc De Blanc is from a good family, the dam line including Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Magician.

Echinacea had little chance on the weights last time in a rated race but still recorded an all-weather career-best effort. Prior to that, she placed second in three consecutive handicaps, including two at Dundalk. Back in handicap company, this improving filly can go well.

Persian Bliss has his first outing since changing ownership from Amo Racing Limited. The horse has won three times at Dundalk from six outings at the track. He appears to have it to do at the weights, but placed second over today's distance a year ago and can't be entirely ruled out at big odds.