Friday tips from Katie Midwinter: four each-way selections

Course-and-distance winner On The River won this race two years ago when rated 2lb higher, before finishing a decent fourth in last year's renewal. He's a likeable performer on his day and has shown he still retains plenty of ability this year with a number of creditable efforts, including in a higher class 22-runner handicap at Doncaster earlier in the campaign, and when narrowly denied by Milteye at Ripon.

On a workable mark with course form in his favour, the seven-year-old gelding could give a good account of himself under Oisin McSweeney. He's bidding for a 12th career success representing Harriet Bethell, and, with plenty of softer ground form, could go close to regaining the title.

Top-weight Go Out remains a maiden following 17 runs, but has shown enough ability to suggest he's capable of a first career win and makes appeal at the weights under 7lb claiming Terry Casey.

Representing trainer Daniel James Murphy, the four-year-old gelding went close on three occasions at Dundalk earlier this year, finishing second in his first three appearances at the track, including in handicaps from a 14lb higher mark. He has shown ability on the Turf too with creditable performances at Navan and Cork in recent months, and may be able to make his presence felt in this field.

In calmer waters than his latest run, Go Out could be worth keeping the faith in and could make it 18th time lucky as he bids t o get off the mark.

Edward Lynam-trained Headmaster is 2lb lower than his last winning mark when successful under Dylan Browne McMonagle, who returns to the saddle here, in a competitive 22-runner Curragh handicap in May.

He has made only one previous appearance on an all-weather surface for former trainer William Haggas when featuring in a handicap won by Olympic Candle at Kempton, but could improve on that effort from a workable mark in his first trip to Dundalk. 

Things haven't panned out favourably for the gelding in recent months, but a resurgence is possible as he's shown a high level of form this year, including when second to Gleneagle Bay from a mark of 91.

Course winner Darkdeserthighway is one to note from a mark of 71 under 5lb claimer Reese Holohan. She's 2lb higher than her last winning mark when successful here twelve months ago, but is 2lb lower than when third to Ocean Manifest in a subsequent run and has been able to be competitive on occasion on the Turf during the summer.

The return to the all-weather surface could see the eight-year-old mare return to the winners' enclosure, and she warrants consideration in her 48th start. The Michael O'Callaghan-trained contender has plenty of noteworthy form at this venue, often running well here, and could put in a bold bid.

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