It's Ladies Day at the Galway Races and there will be some brilliant racing and entertainment to whet the appetite at Ballybrit this afternoon.
The Galway Hurdle is the feature at 4.55 and with all 20 runner races over two miles, it's an open contest.
I have picked two against the field; headline selection Stratum is a course and distance winner, who has shown decent form on the flat.
Running in the colours of Brighton FC Chairman Tony Bloom, Stratum was in the places at the Punchestown festival and has a seven-lb claimer in Conor McNamara aboard today.
I would give him an each-way chance.
I also like the prospects of Tudor City to make the frame. The Tony Martin trained gelding has been very consistent in handicaps and his big race jockey Robbie Power knows the time of day.
In the 3.10, a one mile handicap, there are another two horses I like, Koybig, a recent winner at Killarney that has a nice draw and could still be off a workable mark and outsider Stormy Belle, who beat Band of Outlaws on the flat last season and has a good claimer in Gavin Ryan aboard.
My (NAP) selection of the day is an each way punt on Cava in the seven-furlong fillies' stakes at 3.45 for trainer Joseph and jockey Donnacha O'Brien.
This horse ran very well last time out over a shorter trip and it's interesting there is market confidence behind her this morning.
In the novice hurdle at 4.20, Doctor Duffy should reward his owners for the consistency he has shown in hurdling to date.
Charles Byrnes' horses have been running well and assisted by Davy Russell in the saddle, he will be difficult to peg back.
And in the 1 and a half mile handicap at 5.30, I noticed there was support in the betting this morning behind Nasee, having his first run for trainer Shark Hanlon.
This horse has been running well in England and could outrun his double figure odds.
So I recommend a virtual €10 on the following:
4.55 (Galway Hurdle): €1 each way on Stratum at 11/1 and 50 cent each way on Tudor City at 14/1
(1/5 the odds the first six places)
3.10: 50 cent each way on Koybig at 13/2 and 50 cent each way on Stormy Belle at 25/1
(1/5 the odds the first five places)
3.45: €1 each way on Cava at 13/2
(1/5 the odds the first three places)
4.20: €2 win on Doctor Duffy at 13/8
5.30: 50 cent each way on Nasee at 16/1
(1/5 the odds the first five places)
Please gamble responsibly at Galway and good luck!
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