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Mark Milligan fancies Mullins to strike at Galway
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Veteran chaser the one to be on at Perth
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Galway - 17:10 - Back Absurde
When I was kindly asked to fill in on this column for a week while Alan Dudman puts his feet up, the last thing I expected was to find my first two fancies taking place in National Hunt races, especially given that we're still in the height of summer (for all the weather doesn't make it seem so).
However, having gone through the flat racing away from Goodwood with nothing jumping out, the ones that took my eye were both over jumps, starting at Galway in the opening 2m listed hurdle.
Willie Mullins fields three in the race but I expect Absurde, the mount of Paul Townend, to be comfortably best of the trio.
A smart flat performer who recently finished second to stablemate Vauban at Royal Ascot, the ex-French Absurde made an impressive start over hurdles when winning a 2m 4f novice contest is smooth fashion.
He was worth plenty more over the bare winning margin of just over three lengths there and could well turn out to be a very smart recruit to the hurdling scene. With his flat speed to call on too, he'll have no problem dropping back in trip here.
Perth - 20:30 - Back Sword Of Fate
It's over to Perth for our other selection on the evening, where the veteran Sword Of Fate looks sure to take all the beating in what is a modest handicap chase.
A three-time course winner, Leonard Kerr's 10-y-o has been plying his trade in better races of late, running creditably in the main, including when second to a progressive sort in a small-field chase here last time.
His most recent win came in a stronger contest than this at Wetherby in April, where he comfortably took care of Sao by five lengths off a mark just 3lb lower than that which he's currently on.
In a nutshell, I'll be disappointed if Sword Of Fate doesn't get the job done in what looks a weak affair, Brian Hughes taking back over in the saddle another plus point for those wanting extra encouragement.