2.10 Galway – Franciscan Rock (Win)
I don’t really have a strong opinion in the opener, but Franciscan Rock gets my vote. He’s already got some experience over fences, and he recently had a spin over hurdles at Cork, where he shaped ok to finish third. If he can translate his good hurdles form to fences, then he should be too good for the opposition here.
2.45 Galway – Ashdale Bob (Win)
Ashdale Bob was a good winner over fences last time out at Kilbeggan. That form has subsequently been franked by Thecompanysergeant, who won at Galway earlier this week. If you look at his career to date, he’s always been a great horse for Jessica Harrington, and he’s a Grade 2 winner over hurdles. I do think the nine-year-old is the one to beat, and he has found a good opportunity to get his head in front again.
3.20 Galway – Malbay Madness (Each Way)
​​Malbay Madness has a bit of an odd career, but his two best performances have arguably come over a mile at the Galway Festival. The last time we saw him, he finished ninth in a hurdle race earlier this week at the Festival, so he arrives here fit. I think coming back to the Flat is a positive move, and he’ll probably get a good pace to aim at, and I can see him running on late and picking up the pieces.
3.55 Galway – Flight Of Fancy (Each Way)
Cases can be made for several, but Flight Of Fancy stuck to the task well to finish third in a Listed race at Killarney last month. Since she broke her maiden tag at Limerick, she looks like a filly who is improving, and I can see the stiff finish suiting her well at Galway. The daughter of Galileo is drawn wide in Stall 13, but she seems pretty versatile tactically, so that doesn’t bother me. I think she has as good a chance as any.
4.30 Galway – Koori Star (Each Way)
Koori Star bolted up when winning at Sligo last month, and he wasn’t stopping when he got to the line. Yes, the form might not be much, but unlike several of his opponents, he has stayed the trip, which is a big tick on the box. He’s also won a point-to-point, so we know he’s got stamina. Peter Fahey can often go under the radar with these types of horses, and I think he could be the surprise package in the race.
5.05 Galway – Kings Hill (Each Way)
Kings Hill is a horse I’ve been following for a while, and it looks like he’s been lined up for this race. He showed some good form over hurdles last season, and he even ran at the Cheltenham Festival in the Supreme. Since then he has not disgraced himself in some competitive handicaps, and he recently had a run on the Flat as a prep for this. He’s currently off a mark of 134, which I think is workable, plus Jack Gillagan will be able to take a good 7lb, which will also help. With a featherweight on his back, Kings Hill looks to have a good chance being in the mix.
5.40 Galway – Chatterbox (Each Way)
Though he’s a maiden, I think stepping back in trip to 1m4f could be the right move for Chatterbox. He’s been running well on the Flat and over hurdles, but I think sometimes he is just vulnerable to stronger stayers over 2m. This doesn’t look like a strong race, and I think Shane Foley will want to go forward on the five-year-old gelding, which will bring his stamina into play. As long as the rain stays away, conditions should be ideal for him.
6.10 – Sporting Glance (Win)
This isn’t a strong opinion, but I think Sporting Glance is interesting for Cian Collins. He bolted up in a point-to-point and has subsequently attracted the jockey booking of Patrick Mullins for this race. He also has an attractive pedigree for bumpers, as his sire Coastal Path has a 34% strike rate in them, which is very good. If he can build on his promising point-to-point form, then there’s no reason why he can’t go close.
