Galway selections Wednesday 28th July
The big race of the week at Galway and this is a race where I believe you need to be handy throughout and this tight, turning track. This renewal is also one of the classiest for a while – last year’s winner Early Doors would not even have got in the race this year from last year’s mark of 139. I have picked two quality horses from near the top of the weights.
Galway 6.15: Battleoverdoyen & Brahma Bull
BATTLEOVERDOYEN has been a disappointment since winning a Grade 1 Novice Chase at Leopardstown over eighteen months ago, his seventh win in eight starts. However there have still been glimpses, such as when winning the Grade 2 at Down Royal first time out last season.
Perhaps a switch from running in top graded races to a handicap will be his forte. He ran well enough over a totally inadequate 2m at Punchestown a couple of months ago, but that will have served its purpose of setting him up for today. At his best racing up with the pace, his style of running should suit Galway and he does seem better on quicker going, such as he will face today.
BRAHMA BULL has always been an in and out performer, but he was very much on form when winning at the Punchestown Festival. Of course he has been hit with an expected 6lb rise here, but that is offset by the booking of top conditional Jack Foley.
Brahma Bull relished the better going at Punchestown and he has always seen more comfortable on a right-handed track. He failed to stay the marathon trip in the Irish National, but this 2m6f will be perfect. If he can get into a good early rhythm, he is a classy individual who still has very few miles on the clock for a 10yo.
Recommended bets:
1pt each-way – Battleoverdoyen – 6.15 Galway – 20/1 Paddy Power (1/5 odds 1st 6)
0.5pts each-way – Brahma Bull – 6.15 Galway – 16/1 Bet365 (¼ odds 1st 5)
