Virgo to leave his rivals snookered under promising Ewing
16:15 Galway - Back Advanced Virgo @ 3.55/2 Place market
Dandy Dan finished second in my final instalment for the Durham National, probably one of the few horses at the moment of Kim Bailey's not to win! So I'm heading to the place market for today's action with that extra little bit of insurance.
I'm dipping my toes into the deep ground at Galway for Monday, and the 16:15 handicap over 1m4f will showcase the best of the apprentices riding in Ireland; with Gavin Ryan and Dylan Brown McMonagle in action. Even younger than those two is 7lb jockey Sam Ewing - another tipped to be a star, and his mount Advanced Virgo looks worth having a go at in the place market.
He has posted some good efforts over hurdles, but he still can exploit a mark that looks winnable from 73.
I thought he shaped rather well on his comeback run from 251 days off the track when he finished second at Limerick in testing ground. He backed that up with a good run at Killarney last time, so his fitness should now be spot on with the added bonus of 7lb off his back.
Advanced Virgo looks like a thorough stayer and should enjoy the stiff finish at Ballybrit. With 14 runners, the Sportsbook are offering an Extra Place Special and I can see this horse hitting the frame.
Turn to McGuinness again for handicap success
16:45 Galway - Back Stellify @ 6.05/1
Trainer Ado McGuinness may have had only 21 winners this season, but he's picked up some good prizes and valuable handicaps along the way and I'm interested in his filly Stellify upped in distance.
She is still chasing her first victory, but posted a fair effort in a rare Punchestown Flat meeting earlier this year when finishing second in a 0-65. The filly collected another second last time when chasing home a Dot Love winner at Gowran Park in heavy conditions. She came from a fair way back in that, and looks like she could stay today's 1m4f distance.
They should go a good pace with 18 runners, and Dollar Value could be a cracking back-to-lay bet from a big price 20.019/1, as he stays ever so well and is a dangerous horse with some rope handed to him with an easy lead.
However, Stellify, who has Sam Ewing booked, could offer a little more over a new distance.
Recommended bets
Back Advanced Virgo @ 3.55/2 Place market in the 16:15 at Galway
Back Stellify 6.05/1 in the 16:45 at Galway
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Alan Dudman's P & L
2020 Overall: -20.59
This week
Staked: 0.00
Returned: 0.00
*All bets to a 0.5pt stake unless stated otherwise
2016-2019 P & L: +70.03
2020 Festival Bets Of Day (Ascot & Cheltenham): +17.60 (1pt stake)
2020 Irish Racing Tips: +34.20 (1pt stake)