Horse Racing Tips: Rhys Williams' NAP is a maiden hurdler at Kilbeggan

Drop in trip to suit front runner

Kilbeggan 17:30: Dromolought Lad 1pt win 14/1

A very weak maiden hurdle for horses that haven't finished in the first three under rules opens the card at Kilbeggan. Of those who have a rating, Bal Kauto is top rated on 95 and he could be dangerous if they go back to front running tactics but it's another front runner who appeals at a bigger price.

Dromolought Lad showed very little on the first three starts of his career but has shown more ability since joining Gearoid Brouder. After a prep run over a mile on the flat, he returned to hurdling at Downpatrick with a hood applied for the first time.

He led for most of the race until being headed at the last where he stumbled badly on landing and dropped away to finish fifth. The winner of that race has won a handicap since off 116 and the fourth and sixth have both won maiden hurdles since.

The same tactics were used on his latest start at Ballinrobe but after being headed at 2 out, he faded very quickly and was pulled up before the last.

Those who races were over 2m3f and 2m2½f and the trip looked to stretch his stamina on both occasions so the drop back to 2m will suit. I'm also hoping that they don't overwater the track as Dromolought Lad looks in need of quick ground so he could improve for that too.

This track suits front runners and he looks one of very few possible candidates for that role so he could be advantageously positioned. There is a concern over just how quickly he stopped to nothing last time and he has to prove he can finish off a race stronger but in a very weak contest I think he's overpriced given the promise of the Downpatrick run and any 10/1 or bigger appeals.