Galway Preview
Thursday 29 July 2010
There hasn't been a British-trained winner of the Guinness Galway Hurdle in almost 20 years but that could all change on Thursday, with Overturn leading the raiding party.
Donald McCain's six-year-old proved his versatility when adding the Northumberland Plate to his Scottish Champion Hurdle crown recently and connections have aimed at this prize ever since.
Evan Williams' pair of Tiger O'Toole and Dantari, as well as Philip Kirby's Amazing King, also travel across the Irish Sea, with the home defence spearheaded by last year's winner Bahrain Storm, Dermot Weld's New Phase and the classy top-weight Luska Lad.
Weld can get the day off to a flyer courtesy of Prince Erik, who goes to post for the opening Perfect Pint Beginners Chase at 1.50.
His first stint over fences didn't go at all well and should the larger obstacles get the better of him again, Chicago Grey and Bronte Bay are good enough to take full advantage.
Weld attempts to continue his usual fantastic week here with Designated Decoy, who will give Lutrell Lady plenty to think about in the Guinness Time Handicap, and the blinkered-first-time Hallie's Comet, although she has to concede weight all round in the Arthur Guinness EBF Fillies Handicap.
The master of Rosewell House also allows Monday's jumping winner Force Of Habit to take his chance on the level in the Arthur's Legacy Handicap, while Willie Mullins unleashes Forpadydeplasterer's brother Johny's Lantern in the Guinness Storehouse (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race.
Charlie Swan runs two in the St.James's Gate Novice Chase and his Tribes And Banner tries to confirm last month's Roscommon superiority over Echo Bob, while recent Limerick rivals Cruising Katie and Coscorrig also renew rivalry.
Cooper's Crest capitalised on an easier assignment at Limerick last week and turns out again quickly for the Signature Novice Hurdle, in which Bacher Boy, St Devote and Bootlegger lie in wait.
