The Galway Festival is always one of the summer highlights of the Irish racing calendar. Excellent racing combined with a cracking atmosphere is definitely a recipe for success. One of the major races is the Galway Plate, which takes place on Wednesday.
We’ve had a good look at the race and picked out an ante-post selection that could go all the way. Representing the Gordon Elliot yard, the 14/1 shot has to be a major contender. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing. You can also find our 12/1 Galway Hurdle ante-post tip here!
Zanahiyr (14/1, William Hill) has been tipped to line up by his trainer and the seven-year-old possesses some outstanding form. He’s had just four starts over fences and that includes a respectable fourth behind Grey Dawning in the Turners at Cheltenham.
It has to be noted that his best form has come over hurdles but that does include third-place finishes in both the Champion Hurdle and the Aintree Hurdle. Connections will be seeking to take advantage of the fact that his chase mark is 10lb lower and improvement shouldn’t be ruled out.
His disappointing run at Fairyhouse when last seen, which came too soon after a hard race at Cheltenham, can easily be forgiven. We can expect better here as he should be nice and fresh after a four-month break.
Gordon Elliott thinks he’s unexposed over the larger obstacles and he said: “Zanahiyr has a touch of class and, on his day, is a very talented operator. We hope he’s not fully exposed over fences yet and a race like the Galway Plate could be right up his street.”
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