Making a big case for Legal
Steve Hughes picks two against the field for the feature event on the opening evening of the Galway Festival
The traditional highlight on the first of seven days at Galway is the 2m handicap for amateurs. Willie Mullins runs plenty and his son’s mount is fancied along with an each-way selection from the bottom of the weights. We had a solid Saturday at Ascot with a win for Redarna (SP 5/1) plus each-way places for Blue Mist (advised 20/1) and Prince of Harts (advised 15/2).
Galway 7.40: Legal Spin & Neverushacon
The usual big field means I want to stay onside with horses drawn low on this constantly turning track. I am going with these two against the field.
Legal Spin is extremely lightly raced and should have more to offer. He displayed real stamina on only his second racecourse start to win a 14f Killarney maiden by 6l last season. He cut no ice in two big handicaps in the autumn (albeit he was 6lbs out of the handicap latterly.) However he looked on a good mark when just failing to win his comeback race at the Curragh last month, seeing out the 2m well. A prominent racer, he should be able to hold a handy early position from his decent draw.
Neverushacon is at the other end of the experience spectrum, but this veteran remains in good form. He sprung something of a shock by winning a charity race at the Curragh recently under a very inexperienced rider. That was his first run since October and should have put him spot on for this bigger challenge. He is a thorough stayer who won three times in 2018 – a hurdle, chase and flat race. With his stable in grand form I think he rates solid each-way value.
Recommended bets:
1pt win – Legal Spin – 7.40 Galway – 8/1 general
0.5pts each-way – Neverushacon – 7.40 Galway – 16/1 general (most bookies 1/5 odds 1st 5)
Next column – Galway & Goodwood – Tuesday 30th July
