The Galway Races celebrates 150 years as Ireland’s and one of Europe’s largest racing festivals this week, with bumper crowds expected for the seven-day celebrations of duel-purpose meeting. Around €100million is estimated to be gambled with 52 races over the seven days and a record prize fund of €300,000 for the feature race; the Galway Plate.
3furlongsout.com have picked out six horses that they feel are worth keeping on your side throughout the fascinating festival if you want to stay in profit.
1. One Cool Poet: This Son of Urban poet has been knocking loudly on the door of winning in equivalent handicaps to suggest if he is in the same vein of form, he really should be a principle player. Recent second placed effort he was a shade unfortunate, only getting nabbed on the line when on the gasp of triumph. Rates a big danger to all if he gets a run for trainer Matthew Smith.
2. Saltonstall: This Aidan McGuinness trained horse is a high-class animal, who has yet to show his true colours for the Lusk based stables nevertheless has got himself down to a very attractive handicap mark and if his recent 4th placed effort at the Curragh is anything to go by he really should be up to making his presence felt in this premier handicap. He is unquestionably due a big win.
3. Snugsbourgh Benny: Trainer Liam Cussack is a shrewd handler and he will have this talented nine-year-old in the best possible shape for this festival. This horse was well fancied for last year’s Irish grand national however he had to settle for 4th placed as he was held up to far back and was impotent to make up the lost ground. His most recent run was a shade disappointing though I am at the mind-set it was more a pipe-opener for this race.
4. Neverushacon: One of the better bets of the complete week. This Jessica Harrington trained horse has been in great form over both the flat and jumps jurisdictions and recently came back of a short break to win a charity race easily. The manner which the horse breezed into the lead when barely asked any question by the inexperienced jockey was quite remarkably. With a more experienced rider onboard I think he is one of the best banker bets of the festival.
5. Sole Pretender: Locally based trainer Norman Lee has been ranting and raving about his horse for a long time and only recently has this son of Dansilli most recently he has really come to age on racetrack with an imposing run of form winning three on the bounce. He has looked like a stand-out contender for this race for a very long time and the current betting odds of 10/1 look rather substantial. Jockey Johnny Burke has been booked to ride this horse and his presence is another positive.
6. Ivaquestion: This Sheila Laverty trained horse has been exciting everyone in the yard since his debut run a few weeks ago. He finished that race of with a real flourish to eventually end up 4th place. That was his introduction outing and the vibes are positive about him improving further and a big run is very much expected on Friday evening if he gets a run
