Galway Day 2 – Weld restores order!

Day 1 of the Galway festival 2013 has come and gone and in the blink of an eye Dermot Weld, the King of Ballybrit, nails two races from seven in a fairly casual manner. The man’s a freak! If he is top trainer for the festival this year it will be his 27th time doing it…..that’s ridiculous.

We didn’t do too bad ourselves as Honourable Emperor ran into the each way money at a big price and Wicklow Brave nabbed the bumper to get the week off to nice start.

Let’s have a gander at today’s card to try and keep the momentum!

Topaz Novice Hurdle 17:05 – DKW said after the first yesterday that Diplomat won fairly easily and without performing to the best of his ability. With that in mind, if he is fit and well and runs today he is the obvious option again. If I was to pick one to oppose him it would be Elegant Statesman.

Latin Quarter Chase 17:40 – Small field here and the market suggests that there are only three with statistical chances. Of those the one I would prefer is the 7/4 favourite Rathlin.

Topaz EBF 2yo Fillies Maiden 18:10 – Weld and Smullen are back again with the odds on favourte here in the shape of Tarfasha. At her price I could not back her and so I’ve sided with Ballybacka Queen for a bit of value and she has a bit of form on others in the race.

Topaz Mile Handicap 18:45 – Fortify, who although carries a 5lb penalty still has a chance and I’d also give an each way chance to Campanology of Johnny Murtagh’s who will benefit from a handy weight and a nice draw.

Caulfieldindustrial.com EBF Maiden 19:15 – Pirate Cove is again the odds on favourite for Dermot Weld here and would look to be the one. If backing odds on favourites is not your thing, then keep the money in the pocket. She should get the job done.

Caulfield Industrial Athlone Handicap 19:45 – This looks to be a fairly open contest. I’ve gone for two. Knights Templar who has a bit of form this summer over a mile and steps back to 7 furlongs here. The other is Lily of Kenmare from Mick Halford. The draw is against her but I have a sneaking suspicion she could be worth an each way bet.

Caulfieldindustrial.com Handicap 20:15 – Two catch the eye here for each way bets. Course and distance winner Face Value definitely deserves some each way respect. Also the 9 year old Beau Michael ridden by an in form Conor King claiming 5lb off deserves attention from each way punters.

So thats it for Day 2. There will no doubt be a slightly sombre mood around Galway today as the racing community has lost one of it’s favourite sons. The legendary Colm Murray lost a long battle with Motor Neurone disease this morning. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. May he rest in peace.

The very best of luck with your selections. Hopefully we can find a winner!

Slán tamaillín,

T