A win for Davy Russell in the Galway Plate was a welcome change of fortune for us yesterday. The big race on Thursday is the Galway Hurdle (1635 BST).
Davy has a big chance again here on 2014 winner Thomas Edison. He has been long off the track but a recent return was undoubtedly promising. He may still end up playing second fiddle along with the massed ranks of other JP McManus owed horses, as this looks booked for Willie and Ruby and market leader Max Dynamite.
Max was second here in 2015 (when Thomas Edison may well have defended his title but for a last flight fall), but he has improved since on the flat coming second in a Melbourne Cup, and 7th in a group 1 Ascot Gold Cup. Mullins is a master at switching codes with these types, and a long break is no barrier where this stable is concerned. He looks a steering job.
One annual Galway system is to look for horses looking to strike twice in the week. Gordon Elliott offers us a chance with Knockmaole Boy who looks to follow up Tuesday’s cosy 7f success in the mile race (1450). That win was a decent effort and one that looked to have a bit to spare. This race is tougher, but we know we have an in-form horse.
Later, (1715), we can take advantage of another code- switcher when the useful and in form hurdler Camlann steps back into a flat race for the first time since October. He has improved a lot over hurdles in that time (23lbs) and carrying even some of that back to the flat should see him home.
Somme-like conditions at Goodwood turned the formbook on its head yesterday, and we should treat with care on a tricky card.
In the opener (1350), the rain may be a help to Soceity Red. He didn’t stay a longer distance last time, but his second on his previous run was a strong effort, and he has soft ground form in his history. He looks too long a price.
Finding soft ground form in the nursery (1610) is difficult given the lightly raced profile of the runners. That said, Poetic Steps has shown decent form on soft and is certainly bred to enjoy it. Trainer Mark Johnston has hit the mark already here at a course he always prospers at, and this race can add to his tally.
Recommendations:
Soceity Red (1350 Goodwood), 0.5pts each way, 20/1 Paddy Power
Knockmaole Boy (1450 Galway), 1pt win, 9/2 generally available
Poetic Steps (1615 Goodwood), 1pt win, 6/1 BetVictor, Coral
Max Dynamite (1635 Galway), 2pts win, 9/2 Ladbroke, Coral
Camlann (1715 Galway), 1pt win, 3/1 generally available
Knockmaole Boy, Poetic Steps, Max Dynamite & Camlann: 4 x 0.25pt win trebles, 0.25pt each way accumulator (c 800/1).
Please subscribe for notification of up-to-date tips and news, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
