SALTONSTALL and Colin Keane (left) winning at Galway on Tuesday. © Photo Healy Racing
Saltonstall is set to bid for a big-race Galway 2019 double as one of a maximum 16 declared for the last-day highlight, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF ‘Ahonoora’ Handicap.
Sunday’s seven-furlong 120,000 euro heat also has three reserves ready and willing to take their chances, including 2014 and 2015 hero Baraweez.
Those keener on more recent form will look towards Saltonstall, though, after he impressed on Tuesday in the COLM QUINN BMW Mile Handicap.
The ex-Godolphin and Michael Halford gelding got a beautiful, patient steer from former champion jockey Colin Keane on that occasion, and he will take the reins again.
Ado McGuinness’ Pivotal five-year-old is back in trip after that extended mile assignment — but he has won at seven furlongs previously, and the distance is unlikely to be any impediment.
The opposition and a 7lb penalty may be bigger problems, but the chestnut appears to have sound prospects from his gate seven draw.
In a race where overseas raiders have done well, there is a strong travelling party this year.
No fewer than five are from Britain — Above The Rest (David Barron), Certain Lad (Mick Channon), Magical Wish (Richard Hannon), Apex King (David Loughnane) and Rufus King (Mark Johnston).
Chief supporting event is the Lord Hemphill Memorial Handicap Chase.
Dual course winner All The Answers will justifiably have his supporters for J P McManus, Joseph O’Brien and Darragh O’Keeffe.
McManus and O’Keeffe could be on the mark in the opener too, with the impressive Wednesday course winner Ilikedwayurthinkin
Gavin Cromwell has care of this Yeats gelding for McManus — and the County Meath trainer also has Blottos (2.45, Johnny Moore) and Bentham (6.00, Mark O’Hare) in with chances too.
In the Watch Racing TV Now Chase, Yorkhill (Willie Mullins and Paul Townend) and Theinval (Nicky Henderson and Jeremiah McGrath) are two of the more eye-catching hopes.
