Racegoers set for open race in Galway Plate
Today's Hewlett-Packard Galway Plate is always one of the biggest racing crowds every year and this year's classy renewal is sure not to disappoint.
The top-class Knife Edge heads the weights but faces a difficult tasks as his presence ensures that several very good performers get to race off attractive weights, which will make this one of the most open runnings in a long time.
One of the most interesting contenders is Peter Bowen's British raider Ballycassidy, who is chasing a four-timer having taken the Summer Plate at Market Rasen in good style last time. He has a 14 lb penalty for that win but is clearly progressing and could reward his brave connections with a prominent showing.
Ansar has played a big part in Dermot Weld's good course record in recent seasons having won all five of his runs at the Festival, including the Galway Hurdle two years ago.
He has had a couple of nice runs on the Flat recently and will carry lots of support as he bids to become the first horse to complete the Hurdle/Plate double.
Kadoun, Risk Accessor and Punchestown Festival winners Torduff Boy and Back On Top are others that have leading chances in a race that looks sure to set new betting records on the Tote and in the Bookies Ring.
The opening HP Services Classic Hurdle is another race that should see frenetic action in the ring with several hefty wagers likely to be seen for the Dermot Weld-trained Direct Bearing.
This gelding ran very well in the Ladies Derby at the Curragh last time and looks head and shoulders above his opponents on his sixth placing in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.
Short-priced favourite Theme Song proved a big disappointment on his debut at Punchestown when a well-beaten sixth behind Blazing Liss, but is clearly held in high regard by Tony Mullins and could be worth watching in the HP SuperComputing Maiden.
Meanwhile, Mandhoor, off the track since his promising debut behind the useful Van Nistelrooy at the Curragh 12 months ago, could be the one in the HP Imaging and Digital Printing Maiden.
Ones to Watch:
1.50pm Direct Bearing
3.40pm Torduff Boy (e/w)
5.00pm Theme Song
5.35pm Mandhoor
