Between 2010 and 2013, JP McManus won three renewals of the Galway Plate. It’s been six years since Carlingford Lough landed a gamble under AP McCoy, but 2019 could be his time to strike again and he has a couple of very likely contenders for the feature race, which takes place at 7.20pm on Wednesday.
Modus is a seriously talented horse on his day and some of his recent form suggests he could sneak into this if he warms to the task. His victory over Duke Of Navan at Cheltenham last October and his third at Doncaster later last season quality performances and he recorded RPRs of 154 in both races.
The step up to an extended 2m6f is a worry because others stay better, but he registered an RPR of 156 when winning at Kempton over 2m5f in the past and his handicap mark of 144 makes him well-handicapped here. Modus is reported to go well fresh and this is a good opportunity for Harry Cobden to make a name for himself in Ireland. If Modus is on a going day, he’s unlikely to be too far away at the finish.
The second McManus runner worth backing as things stand (Movewiththetimes is a bit of a monkey and the price has gone anyway) is Coney Island. This classy 8yo runs off a mark of 158 so there are no hiding places, but he’s always been held in lofty regard and he’s been running in to- class company his whole career.
The only time he didn’t run in Grade 1 or 2 company since 2016, he bolted up by nine lengths in a tidy graduation chase at Ascot. Although Coney Island didn’t win in his last three starts, they were a gradual step back in the right direction after being pulled up two outings back in early 2018. His last three RPRs of 143, 157, 162 are suggestive of a horse returning to form.
The last of those figures was produced when chasing home the outstanding Frodon in the Ryanair Chase, so his sights are definitely lowered here and there is a lot in his favour.
View Full Galway Plate Racecard, Form & latest odds HERE >>>
JOIN MR.GREEN – BET £10, GET A £10 ACCA BET
T&Cs apply. New players only. The qualifying bets to claim the Bet must have minimum odds of 3/1 (4.00) or higher before triggering free bets. 18+.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
£10 minimum deposit required to activate this offer. Offer only available to new Mr Green customers who have never completed a first deposit. The qualifying bets to claim the Free Bet must have minimum odds of 3/1 (4.00) or higher. Qualifying bets can be made up of one bet of £10+ or numerous bets totaling £10+. The Free Bet will be credited to valid player accounts only once the original £10 wager has been settled. The Free Bet will be credited as one £10 Free Bet and must be used on an accumulator with 3 or more selections. Free Bet will expire 7 days after receipt. Free Bet can be used on straight Accumulators/Combination bets only and can not be used on System bets including but not limited to Trixies, Patents, Yankees, Canadians, Heinz. For winning Free Bets, it is important to note that the stakes are not returned, only the winnings made from them.