Solomon seeks Dundalk gold The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden has a small field but it looks easily the most interesting event on Dundalk's seven-race programme. Solomon Northup is the only one of the sextet of runners with an official rating, with the Scat Daddy colt on a mark of 90. Charles O'Brien's charge has already contested a Group Two, finishing last of six in the Beresford Stakes, before his Polytrack debut last time. The American-bred came up short on that occasion, behind a Michael Halford runner, Great Dancer. He could again have to yield to a horse from that in-form yard in Shannon Soul. Halford made no secret of the fact that he held the brother to Group Two winner Shakespearean in some regard, before he made his initial appearance here a fortnight back. Shannon Soul was pretty easy to back then, competing over seven furlongs, and while managing only fourth in a field of eight, the Shamardal colt displayed much promise. After dwelling at the stalls, Shannon Soul finished out his race well behind the useful, and vastly more experienced, Indian Tomahawk. Up a furlong in trip, Shane Foley's mount should go very well, while the market will have to be monitored with regard to the four first-timers in the line-up. It has been a wise move to keep Halford and Foley on your side at Dundalk, particularly during this winter series, and they need to be considered in the 7.10 and 7.40 with Taaluf (having her first start for the yard) and Iontas respectively. Recently back in action following a suspension, Foley also has chances aboard Emmet Butterly's last-time-out scorer Akasaka in the 8.10 and on Elusive Laurence in the finale. The latter is trained by Jessica Harrington and she would be a deserving winner having gone close on her last two outings. A longer trip could help now.
