Ben Dundee – 6.15 Galway Plate – 2m 5F Handicap Chase – 50/1 Bet365 – 1 Point Each Way.
This is a typically competitive renewal of the Galway Plate, but the one I like at the prices is Ben Dundee.
He is lightly raced at the age of 9, but still has big race handicap experience by twice running well at the Cheltenham Festival, finishing 3rd behind A Plus Tard in the now defunct 2m 4F Novice Handicap Chase (off 141) and 5th in the Brown Advisory Plate 2m 4F (off 147) . This 5th place can also be upgraded as he was hampered by fallers two out when he was making his move.
Whilst trained by Gordon Elliott he was being primed for last year’s Galway Plate, but met a minor setback and missed the race. This year he has once again been targeted for this race and has been given three rides over hurdles to protect his chase mark. He is not as good over hurdles and ran without his usual tongue tie, so these can be dismissed solely as prep runs.
Most of his rivals have had hard seasons and this race is a secondary target, but with Ben Dundee he comes here fresh and fit and well handicapped. 141 looks a winning mark, especially when you consider he came a three quarter length second off 138 (clear of remainder) behind Minella Times, who has subsequently risen from 122 to 159.
The right handed track will suit and if he can put in a nice clear round of jumping, he has an excellent chance.
Denis O’Regan takes the ride, and he is a great jockey for such a big race and at 50/1 with Bet365, who pay 5 places I recommend 1 point each way.
He is still value at 20/1.
