Galway Festival: Expert Bets Amidst Changing Conditions
Keen racing analyst Tony Keenan offers two selections for day two of the prestigious meet.
Galway’s second day of racing faces evolving ground conditions, with rain overnight shifting the going to yielding, occasionally soft on the flat. Expert **Tony Keenan** has identified two potential value plays amidst the uncertainty.
Challenging Mile and Promising Fillies
The feature Colm Quinn BMW Galway Mile, run at 6:40 PM, has seen reduced entries for the first time in recent memory. This makes assessing the impact of the softer ground on contenders like **Norwalk Havoc**, **Orandi**, and **Chazzesmee** difficult. Conversely, **Slieve Binnian**, a recent improver, might prefer firmer turf.
Grey Leader could be a key contender, offering a blend of track experience and current form. He secured a mile victory at the festival last year and performed creditably over shorter distances. After a break and rating adjustment, his recent return to form positions him well, though **Keenan** advises caution in this competitive race.
The Colm Quinn BMW Irish EBF Fillies Maiden at 6:07 PM presents an opportunity for emerging talent, having previously launched the careers of champions like **Tahiyra** and **Hermosa**. **Amelia Earhart** is flagged as a potential star, though closely matched with **Thenandnow** from their Leopardstown run. The subsequent performance of the fifth-placed horse in that Leopardstown race did little to boost confidence.
Pivotal Attack is another interesting prospect. Her debut fifth at Fairyhouse received minor endorsement at Leopardstown the following week. Despite a wide draw and mid-race disadvantage at Fairyhouse, she rallied effectively. The step up to seven furlongs here is expected to be beneficial.
Chase Contest Offers Value
While other flat races are deemed challenging, particularly the larger-field handicaps, the Latin Quarter Beginners Chase at 5:37 PM presents a compelling betting proposition. **King Of Kingsfield**, holding a strong hurdles rating of 143, is considered the classiest in the field. However, his flat chasing record suggests he may be opposable.
Top Selections Revealed
JET SETTING JIM is highlighted as a strong contender. His trainer has long considered him a potential chaser, and he showed promise last summer despite jumping errors. He fell when seemingly set to win at Tipperary last July but recovered to finish third in this race. Despite an early mistake impacting his jumping that day, he made good late headway.
After two subsequent flat starts last September, connections have rejuvenated his form on the flat this summer. His most recent chase outing over two miles at Tipperary, which appeared too short, saw him close strongly to the line. The increased distance this evening is anticipated to suit his strengths.
Another horse considered to be attractively priced is **ROYAL EAGLE**. A hurdler rated 130, she consistently performs well on tight, right-handed tracks. Her recent return from a winter break showed good hurdles form. Although she finished fifth on her chase debut earlier this month, her jumping was sound, and the inner part of the track, which was chewed up, may have been unsuitable.
