Horse Racing Insights: Fran Berry’s Top Selections for Friday at Dundalk
When it comes to horse racing, a well-informed tip can make all the difference—and Fran Berry is back this Friday with some exciting bets! Following an impressive streak of three winners last week, Fran is placing his confidence in Instant Appeal for the 17:45 race.
Fran's Each-Way Accumulator
- Power Of Prayer (https://www.paddypower.com/horse-racing/dundalk/2m-hcap-2026-01-16/35151119.1715)
- Rockbury Lad (https://www.paddypower.com/horse-racing/dundalk/7f-hcap-2026-01-16/35151119.1815)
- Mulgrave (https://www.paddypower.com/horse-racing/dundalk/1m-hcap-2026-01-16/35151119.1845)
- Gracesolution (https://www.paddypower.com/horse-racing/dundalk/1m4f-hcap-2026-01-16/35151119.1915)
Please note that all quoted prices are current as of our latest updates, and while the odds mentioned are accurate at the time of publication, they may fluctuate.
16:15 – Go Out (https://www.paddypower.com/horse-racing/dundalk/6f-hcap-2026-01-16/35151119.1615)
Fran has reservations about Pints In Peace and favors the lesser-known Go Out. Trained by Danny Murphy, who is off to a strong start this year, Go Out faced solid competition last season. Although he appeared not to stay the distance during his last outing at Chelmsford in April, there was something appealing about his performance. A return to 6 furlongs should suit him better, making him a contender on both his stable and handicap debut.
16:45 – Bryant (https://www.paddypower.com/horse-racing/dundalk/2m-cond-stks-2026-01-16/35151119.1645) - (NAP)
While Tyson Fury is certainly a name to watch, Fran is opting for Bryant instead. Trainer Robson Aguiar has two intriguing entrants in this race: Dallas Star and Bryant. While Dallas Star deserves attention, the choice of Wayne Lordan as jockey for Bryant is noteworthy. Following a solid run on turf, Bryant scored a victory over the same course and distance last November. Although he has seen a 5-pound increase in weight since that win, he remains relatively untested. With connections eyeing the All-Weather Finals, Bryant could be the strongest horse in this race, though Dallas Star is still a potential threat.
17:15 – Power Of Prayer (https://www.paddypower.com/horse-racing/dundalk/2m-hcap-2026-01-16/35151119.1715)
Numidia found success at Dundalk in November and has performed reasonably well since, but she is more established compared to Power Of Prayer. This horse did us a solid favor by winning towards the end of last year, and the extended trip of two miles should suit her nicely. You can overlook her previous run at Dundalk in December, and with a low weight of 8st 8lbs, if she can replicate her winning form, she will be a formidable competitor, especially from her advantageous draw in stall two.
17:45 – Instant Appeal (https://www.paddypower.com/horse-racing/dundalk/7f-cond-stks-2026-01-16/35151119.1745)
Instant Appeal aims for a remarkable fourth consecutive win. He has triumphed in all three races under his new trainer, Stephen Thorne, and Fran believes he's capable of achieving another victory. Competing against a group of horses that are somewhat known, Instant Appeal impressed Fran with his recent win, particularly ahead of Big Gossey. With a 7-pound increase leading to a mark of 94, he must continue to improve, but his affinity for the all-weather track and the support of his new stable indicate he’s ready to shine.
18:15 – Rockbury Lad (https://www.paddypower.com/horse-racing/dundalk/7f-hcap-2026-01-16/35151119.1815) - (each-way)
Fran has a soft spot for Salah Belle but is concerned about her challenging draw in stall 14. Instead, he’s placing his bets on Rockbury Lad, a horse with multiple wins, including at this course. He’s stepping down in class, which should work to his advantage, and the favorable inside draw in stall one is promising. With this being a relatively weak field, Fran expects a more controlled performance from Rockbury Lad and believes he offers a solid each-way opportunity, although he would prefer to see him equipped with cheekpieces!
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18:45 – Mulgrave (https://www.paddypower.com/horse-racing/dundalk/1m-hcap-2026-01-16/35151119.1845) - (each-way)
Ocean Manifest delivered a commendable performance in his last handicap race and could do well, but Fran is backing Mulgrave, a winner at this distance. After an 11-month layoff, he made his first appearance since leaving John McConnell and finished sixth under Danny Murphy at Dundalk in December. His last win was recorded at a mark just 1 pound higher than his current rating of 73, suggesting he could show improvement from his previous outing. The ride from Declan McDonogh is an added bonus.
19:15 – Gracesolution (https://www.paddypower.com/horse-racing/dundalk/1m4f-hcap-2026-01-16/35151119.1915)
Fran is excited about Gracesolution, who has previously won at this course and distance. She poses a significant challenge in this handicap race, especially from her advantageous inside draw in stall one. The stable led by Ross O’Sullivan appears to be in excellent form, making these conditions ideal for Gracesolution’s bid for victory at Dundalk. However, Fran acknowledges that Syosset presents the most substantial threat to her chances.
