Galway Festival: day four

the Galway Festival continues today with 8 races, 4 of them over jumps, 3 on the flat and a bumper. Most valuable event is the Galway Hurdle, a 2 miles handicap at 18.00 CET with a maximum field. This is obviously wide open, but Deutschland (despite his name, not a German-bred), representing the powerful Willie Mullins/ Ruby Walsh combination, looks the likely favourite after an easy win at Punchestown last time in heavy ground. Our fancy is Cuan na Grai (Paul Nolan/ Paddy Flood), who ran an excellent race last time at Tipperary when only just beaten by the smart Jumbo Rio. Sarteano (Dessie Hughes/ Roger Loughran) also looks dangerous off a light weight. Hughes and Loughran can also go close with Montero in the novice chase at 16.10, while Dermot Weld, as always the leading trainer here, can score with Anywaysmile in the 7 furlongs fillies handicap at 16.45 and Gratified, runner-up over hurdles here on Monday, in the 1 1/2 mile handicap at 18.40, both partnered by stable jock ey Pat Smullen.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Maucaillou - View Mount Prince - Shakey Scaffold
2. Race: Separate Ways - Imply - Harriers Call
3. Race: Montero - Farinelli - Quintana
4. Race: Anywaysmile - Drombeg Dawn - Miranda`s Girl
5. Race: Glenstal Abbey - Dual Gales - Carsonstown Boy
6. Race: Deutschland - Cuan Na Grai - Fingers
7. Race: Frutti Tutti - Sandymount Lady - Articilitis
8. Race: Buoy George - Ballyvoile - Oscar Shine