Pride Of The Artic© Photo Healy Racing
Peter Fahey is hopeful for a big performance from Pride Of the Artic in the Latin Quarter Chase on day two of the Galway Festival.
The nine-year-old unseated in the Mayo National at Ballinrobe last time but is a leading fancy on his Galway form.
He was only 10-1 for the Galway Plate last year and won this race two years ago.
Fahey said: "He has a little chance. He had a good comeback run behind Baily Green (at Killarney).
"He's a course-and-distance winner and we have him in good order.
"We are hoping for a good run. He was running a big race in the Plate last year, but he was sore after it.
"He enjoys small fields more."
Colin McBratney sends Butney Rock on the trip from Northern Ireland. Rated 113, he has plenty to find with the main protagonists, but his trainer believes this Down Royal novice chase winner is an improver.
He said: "The two mile six will not bother him as he is a point-to-point winner. The ground is ideal and I'm looking forward to running him. It is only his fourth run over fences. Hopefully he will be a Galway Plate horse next year.
"Galway has always been the plan this year. The faster they go the better as he can be a bit free and wants a good gallop."
Royal Ascot winner Domination runs for Charles Byrnes. He won his novice chase at Limerick in March and has to be dangerous off a weight of 10st 13lb. Davy Russell, who enjoyed victory in this race last year on Rathlin, takes the ride. Cailin Annamh was brought down in Killarney, but her Kilbeggan and Limerick wins bring her right into contention for Jessica Harrington and Robbie Power.
In an open-looking contest, a chance can also be given to Down Royal winner Fisher Bridge who enjoyed himself on quick ground in scoring by six lengths.
