Jane Mangan’s William Hill blog: Rock can hit the Heights at Galway

William Hill ambassador Jane Mangan picks out her best bets on the opening day of the Galway Festival.

Galway, Tuesday

We kick off day one of Galway with a novice hurdle over two miles (4:50pm). Willie Mullins clinched last year’s race with subsequent Grade 1 winner Mystical Power. Unless Sysko proves to be Grade 1 material, this renewal might not be as thrilling. With that in mind, I’m siding with experience and a higher rating over potential and Pigeon House, ridden by Jack Kennedy, is my selection. Despite Gordon Elliott having a runner, Kennedy opts for Pigeon House, who has a handicap win at Punchestown to his name and sets the standard here with a rating of 126.

Next, in the 95-109 Handicap Hurdle (5:25pm), I fancy Emmet Mullins’ Malbay Madness, a horse with solid flat form and has been consistent over hurdles, placing in two of his four starts. His debut was in Listed company, and his last run at Listowel was impressive. With a mark of 108, he’s a strong contender today.

At 6:00pm, we have the colts and geldings maiden over seven furlongs, previously won by top horses. Aidan O’Brien often excels here, but I’m backing Rock Of Cashel, brother to Oak’s winner Snowfall. After a decent debut at the Curragh, he’s likely to improve significantly and I like his chances of shaking off his maiden tag today. Dermot Weld’s Truth Be Told will be a warm order after his run at Naas, but overall I’d side with the O’Brien runner.

The two-mile handicap (7:10pm) is a lottery with a maximum field of 20. I like last year’s winner, Teed Up, to follow up off a seven-pound higher mark. Despite a wide trip last year, he won well. This time round, stall 12 shouldn’t trouble John Gleeson, whose five-pound claim is valuable. Teed Up can win again for Emmet Mullins.

In the mile and a half handicap for three-year-olds (7:45pm), I’m going with Himalayan Heights. He won a maiden at Tipperary last time over this trip, staying on strongly, to beat Man O Work. Before that, he had good runs in maidens and is an improving son of Camelot. Gary Lyons’ looks to be returning to form, and I think his runner will be tough to beat.

Finally, in the bumper (8:15pm) my selection is Cause For Comment, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Patrick Mullins, who won this race last year. In the colours of Jackie Mullins, this horse follows three other winners, including Grade 1 performer Pink In The Park. Cause For Comment looks one in waiting for connections.