Hurricane Alex – 4.50 Galway – 1M 4F Handicap – 20/1 Boylesports – 1 Point Each Way.
Denis Gerard Hogan always targets the Galway Festival with his jumpers and flat horses. He has had a decent Festival so far with one winner and a number of high profile places.
He has won this 1m 4F flat race in the past and he looks to have a good chance to add to his tally with Hurricane Alex.
Hurricane Alex was originally trained in the UK by Richard Hannon and ran over 1m as a 2 year old, so must have stamina, but stayed at that trip as a three year old, eventually winning on his final start over 1 mile off a mark of 70 when the tongue tie and blinkers were applied.
He was sold on to Irish connections who have gone hurdling with him and he is now qualified for handicaps. This whole process will have meant them getting Hurricane Alex settled in his races and that will be key for him now he steps up to 1m 4F for the first time.
During his 6 runs this year they have only used the tongue tie but today they look to mean business as the blinkers are reapplied. He runs off a mark of 69, so is 1lb lower than his previous victory and so must have a good chance.
At 20/1 with Boylesports, who offer 5 places and best odds guaranteed, he looks a nice bet and I recommend 1 point each way.
He is still value at 12/1.
