A massive week on both sides of the Irish Sea. Edward VII famously described Goodwood as ‘a garden party with racing tacked on’.
The Dubliners equally famously, though somewhat more mysteriously, went to the Galway Races ‘with me whack for the do fol the diddledy idle ay’. All very well Dubliners, but not the kind of thing you can bring into the Goodwood members enclosure with you.
In Galway there are no members, well even if there is nobody can remember by the end of the week. Whichever takes your fancy, between them they undeniably have something for everyone and for race fans like us having both during one week is arguably all too much.
That of course will be results dependent. If we can come out winning a few quid all will be well. To that end, here are some horses who will hopefully deliver.
Jump to PaddyPower.com for all your racing bets
Galway Plate, Wednesday 19:20
Slowmotion was third in last year’s renewal. That looks strong form and she should go close this time around off the same mark.
Her return in the Crimes Hurdle, predictive text has a low, some might say savvy opinion of that race, was a tune up that suggests trainer Joseph O’Brien would make a fine mechanic should the training game lose appeal.
She looks likely to go off favourite and the 10/1 looks a good bet.
Galway Hurdle, Thursday 16:35
Good Thyne Tara is relatively unexposed. She gave the solid Woodland Opera a tonking last time at Cork and the handicapper looks to have acted leniently, raising her 6lbs.
As an in form mare, trained by Willie Mullins she would look the likeliest winner of the race and a price of 8/1 probably underestimates her chance.
Goodwood, Tuesday 14:25
Mark Johnston is usually a man to keep on side this week. He relies on Dark Vision in the Richmond Stakes. This horse put up a wildly impressive performance at York last time and despite missing the break, he recovered quickly and travelled all over the opposition.
He was probably in front soon enough, but never looked in trouble. That was likely a decent race and he looks ready for the step up to stakes company.
Assuming Silvestre De Sousa can keep him alert at the gates he should go very close tomorrow. The 6/1 available looks tasty.
Nassau Stakes, Thursday 15:35
I’m keen to take on Urban Fox here. Her Pretty Polly win couldn’t be working out better, but it was a massive career best and is best treated with caution. The obvious alternative is Veracious after her fine comeback in the Coronation Stakes at Ascot.
I’m going to take her on with the fourth that day. Billesdon Brook was a touch disappointing there, but she won at this meeting last year and her sire Champs Elysee is a strong stamina influence.
I see her improving for the step up in trip and at 10/1 looks a strong e/w play in a race where we may not get eight runners.
Set the pace with PaddyPower.com’s racing odds* All odds correct at time of posting.