Fran Berry looks ahead to the action at Galway
Fran Berry looks ahead to the action at Galway

Free racing tips: Fran Berry previews day three of the Galway Festival


Fran Berry hit the crossbar with four horses placed at Galway on Tuesday and he highlights the horses he's keen to follow later today, including two for Glorious Goodwood.

Recommended bets, Wednesday July 30

1pt e.w. Rochester House in 1.45 Goodwood at 7/1

1pt win Circus Maximus in 3.15 Goodwood at 7/1

1pt e.w. Snugsborough Benny in 6.45 Galway at 18/1

1pt e.w. The Big Lense in 6.45 Galway at 22/1

For details of advised bookmakers and each-way terms, visit our transparent tipping record


It's another very tricky card at Galway and we'll just concentrate on the feature Tote Galway Plate.

Galvin is a worthy favourite here for Gordon Elliott and he seems to have been well tipped up elsewhere. He didn't beat a lot in Killarney to be honest, but it's quite clear this race looks to have been a plan with him.

I've got two each-way alternatives in the race and while I could see the well-treated Early Doors going well for Joseph O'Brien, the first bet is SNUGSBOROUGH BENNY, who was third in the race last year and is only 2lb higher in the ratings today.

He's not been seen at his best since then but trainer Liam Cusack is very capable of getting one ready and Denis O'Regan rides the track very well. The addition of first time cheekpieces may also perk him up a bit but the big factor is that the forecast gives plenty of rain before the off time (3-6mm according to some reports) and he'll like any easing of conditions.

THE BIG LENSE would also love a bit of cut and he's fair value with six places on offer. He was a good winner on his first handicap chase and isn't handicapped out of things off 135 today.

His comeback run in the Midlands National at Kilbeggan 19 days ago was very good as he might have been a good third but for getting checked late on, which was a sign of a return to form.

Last year's winning jockey Luke Dempsey is on board and he helps form a strong handicap for Elliott.

I can't resist the quality action at Goodwood either today and the vibes seem positive around CIRCUS MAXIMUS.

It's a shame there aren't eight runners to bring the three places into play but I think he's over priced, having been second last year when mowed down late by Too Darn Hot.

He ran well at the Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita and battled so well in the Queen Anne - he's a horse that probably doesn't got the credit he deserves due to him dropping right back in trip last year and because he wears blinkers.

Siskin has all the attributes you'd want for Goodwood and showed bravery too at the Curragh. He's never been around a bend but Ger Lyons trains him on a turn and he's a worthy favourite. I think he might be the best three-year-old colt at the moment.

Mohaather hasn't been around a bend either and I still have reservations about Kameko on unconventional tracks. He might get away with it but he rolls around on the track and I think he'll be far better at York.

ROCHESTER HOUSE is worth backing each-way in the staying handicap earlier on the card.

He's quite closely matched with a few of these and he looks value with most firms going five places. He ran great in the Ascot Stakes on his first try at two and a half miles and did okay in a slowly-run Marsh Cup at Newbury when last seen.

He's relatively lightly raced for one of Mark Johnston's stayers and maybe today will be the day for him.

Posted at 1112 BST on 29/07/20


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