Irish Racing / Wayne Bailey / 31 July 2008 / 1 Comments Free £25 Bet

With a profit of 17 points on Wednesday, Wayne Bailey is enjoying Galway thus far! There's four days left however - a very long time in racing. Here are his selections for Thursday...

On Tuesday, I wrote about the need for good staking at the Galway festival, and advised not going in too heavy early on. Despite showing a profit so far, there's still four days to go - so sensible staking is still very much a requirement.

Let's hope we can keep the momentum going here at betting.betfair.com as we enter the final few days of the weeklong battle:

1:50 - Guinness Beginners Chase

Uncle Junior can get the day off to a good start. He served well when hurdling for Mullins, but was beaten in his first race over fences at Killarney recently. I've no doubt that he'll have improved since, and should have a bit in hand against the rest.

Advice: Back Uncle Junior to win

2:25 - Guinness Novice Chase

Jessica Harrington has always aimed Dreamy Gent at the right races, and this looks right up his street. A versatile performer on flat and jumps, he'll relish the ground and the distance. The dark horse of the race is Frontier Lady, and it will be interesting to see if some money comes in now that Ruby has been booked to ride. I'll keep her onside in the place markets just to be on the safe side.

Advice: Back Dreamy Gent to win, and Frontier Lady to place

3:00 - St. James's Gate Novice Hurdle

A competitive one this. There are two standing out for me however, namely Ice Warrior and No Panic. The former made hay of his rivals in a bumper last month, but may struggle with the ground. If the ground dries out somewhat, I'll back him. The latter has had a great season thus far, and can capitalise on recent performances.

Advice: Dutch Ice Warrior and No Panic if the ground improves, otherwise, just stick with No Panic.

3:40 - Guinness Galway Hurdle Handicap (Grade A)

The big race of the day, and a decent case could be made for most of these. The 'handicap king' Tony Martin has Northern Alliance slotted in the weights nicely at midway, and I'd be very surprised if he's not in contention. Meanwhile, Indian Pace looks overpriced for a horse that's rarely far off the mark.

Advice: Back Northern Alliance to win, and Indian Pace to place.

4:25 - Guinness Surge Handicap

Dermot Weld can keep the ball rolling here and Gentleman Jeff ticks all the right boxes despite having the burden of topweight. His basic form figures don't look brilliant, but the same can be said of most here. Weld is sure to have him fired up, and a handicap at this level should suit him just fine.

Advice: Back Gentleman Jeff

5:00 - Guinness and Oysters European Breeders Fund Fillies Handicap

It's time for the fillies to strut their stuff, and this is proving to be a tricky puzzle to solve. Miranda's Girl is a CD winner here and is a tough filly. Meanwhile, Tis Mighty can be forgiven for a poor race at the Curragh recently where she just couldn't settle.

Advice: Back Miranda's Girl to win, and Tis Mighty to place.

5:35 - Arthur Guinness Handicap

Maundy Money is doing well in getting the compulsory five pounds for his win here on Tuesday, and a quick return to the track may be just the trick. This contest is slightly better, but he won last time with ease and clearly has claims. Pat Smullen is sure to give chase on Absolute Image, but I reckon that the burden of 9st 13lbs will be that bit too much.

Advice: Back Maundy Money in the win and place markets.

6:05 - Guinness Storehouse (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race

I enjoy watching races where the amateurs get to fight it out against the professionals, but this is a bumper I don't want to get involved in. The token vote goes to Hintsnallegations, who should benefit from his recent second place in a similar race at Roscommon. However, this one is just best watched.

Advice: No Bet

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Tags: Arthur Guinness Handicap, Guinness and Oysters European Breeders Fund Fillies Handicap, Guinness Beginners Chase, Guinness Galway Hurdle Handicap (Grade A), Guinness Novice Chase, Guinness Storehouse (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race, Guinness Surge Handicap, St. James's Gate Novice Hurdle