Galway Festival begins

the week- long Galway festival, for many Irish racegoers the most eagerly awaited meeting of the year, gets under way this evening at the attractive Ballybrit racecourse. There are seven races on the card, two over hurdles and five on the flat, including two for amateur riders, one of which, the 2 mile handicap at 20.00 CET, is easily the most valuable event today. Trainer Charlie Swan has expressed misgivings about the very soft ground, but still holds a strong hand with Rajik (Derek O´Connor) and Zaralabad (Alan Berry), both easy last-time-out winners. However another recent winner, Jessica Harrington´s Zarinava (Pauline Ryan) is our selection. Dermot Weld always targets this meeting and has 3 good chances, Gratified (Denis O´Regan) in the opening novice hurdle at 18.10, Stunning View (Pat Smullen) in the 2yo maiden at 19.20 and Art Broker (Smullen) in the 3yo handicap at 21.10.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Gratified - Wikaala - Tarkari
2. Race: Lady Hillingdon - No One Tells Me - Jewel Of The West
3. Race: Stunning View - Banyan Tree - Zayaan
4. Race: Rajik - Indian Pace - Equator
5. Race: Rio Cobolo - Ucanchoose - Spavento
6. Race: Art Broker - Penthesilea Eile - Badge Of Honour
7. Race: New Rules - Chip Tea - Hayabusa