Jane Mangan’s William Hill blog: Galway Day Four Preview

William Hill ambassador Jane Mangan previews Day Four of the Galway Festival, where the Galway Hurdle is the feature event at 5.05pm.

Thursday, Galway

The opening race on the Thursday of Galway is a Beginners Chase (2.10pm) over two-miles-six-furlongs where I like Stuzzikini for Jack Kennedy and Gordon Elliott. With an official rating of 123 he sets a good standard, and he also has good experience on this track which we’ve learned is important so far this week. His run at Kilbeggan last time behind Bardenstown Lad looks like good form, so I think these top connections will be tough to beat in the opening race on Day Four.

The Grade 3 Novice Chase (2.45pm) looks like a good opportunity for Ashdale Bob to bring up his second win over fences after an impressive display at Kilbeggan, beating subsequent winner, Thecompanysergeant. Jessica Harrington has booked Jack Kennedy for the ride, and having achieved a rating over 150 over hurdles, he looks to have taken well to fencing. Hopefully that upward trajectory continues at 2:45pm.

The Corrib Fillies Stakes (3.55pm) over seven-furlongs is a Listed race for the fairer sex. In this race I like Paddy Twomey’s One Look despite a disappointing reappearance at Leopardstown last time. I think if she returns to her top form has a serious chance of winning at Stakes level here. Her official rating of 102 sets the standard in this race, and receiving weight from six of her opposition, the conditions will clearly suit her well. I think this is a good bit of placing from Paddy Twomey and I think she’ll be back to winning ways in the Corrib Fillies Stakes.

The Galway Hurdle (5.05pm) is always a fascinating event, with a purse prize of over €150,000 and 20 runners likely to go to post. The big yards are well represented, but I think this may well go to a local connection and well-established yard of Paul Gilligan’s, with son Jack in the plate for Kings Hill. I think the Gilligans’ runner is a valuable each way selection in what looks like a super competitive race. He’s a proven performer on a variety of going, and his standout piece of form, his fourth behind fellow contender Daddy Long Legs from the Punchestown Festival, reads very well now as there’s an eight pound swing in his favour. He also ran a good race for a long way in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and I think Kings Hill with Jack on his back can run a big race.

The Bumper (6.10pm) is another fascinating affair, featuring Vicar Street, a son of Galileo out of Vroum Vroum Mag, the first runner out of the great Grade One winning mare. Derek O’Connor is booked for J. P. McManus and he’s the one I like in the bumper. I have a slight concern the tongue-strap has been applied first time, but given his reputation, his name and his connections, Vicar Street is the one for me to crown the last on Day Four for Willie Mullins.