Galway Festival day three preview: World can Rule in Plate

The big betting race on day three of the Galway Festival is the Galway Plate (17.30), and Rule The World looks to hold leading claims in a typically fierce and wide-open renewal of the 2m 6f feature contest.

Trained by the popular Mouse Morris, the gelding has some top class form to his name over hurdles and was rated 152 at his peak.

Although yet to score in seven starts over fences, Rule The World has finished runner-up on five occasions and posted some really sold efforts.

They include an excellent second to the now 153-rated Wounded Warrior in a decent Grade 2 contest at Naas back in January, and a cracking second of 28 to Thunder And Roses in the Irish Grand National off a mark of 141 on his penultimate outing.

Rule The World travelled strongly and jumped really well in the latter, looking the ideal type for this contest.

Although the eight-year-old was then not at his best when sixth of 19 to Gallant Oscar when last seen in action at Punchestown, that run came just 26 days after his gallant exploits in the National and Rule The World has since been given a break to freshen up.

The assessor has also dropped Rule The World 1lb to a mark of 144, and on the pick of his form that looks exploitable.

Another plus is that this race will be run at a strong end-to-end gallop which will suit, and with Davy Russell in the saddle everything points to a big run.

Trainer Dermot Weld has an unbelievable record at the Festival, so duo Stuccodor and New Agenda can provide the Rosewell handler with a double on his 67th birthday.