Who does Ado McGuinness like best of his eight BMW Mile contenders?

Tuesday: 6.40 Galway
Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap (Premier Handicap) | 1m½f | 3yo+ | RTE2/RTV

Ado McGuinness once again adopts a scattergun approach as he bids to land a record-extending fourth successive win in Galway's day two highlight.

A squad of six was sent out to secure an unprecedented hat-trick in this race 12 months ago when 50-1 shot Sirjack Thomas recorded a shock success. This time McGuinness is going to even further lengths by saddling eight runners.

Last year's hero, racing off 1lb lower than that victory, hasn't been at his best in three runs this season, but does seem to save his best for Ballybrit.

Saltonstall: seeking a third win in the Colm Quinn BMW MileCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Another fascinating contender is McGuinness's 2019 and 2020 winner Saltonstall, who must hold big claims off a rating of 96. This marks the first time he has been dropped to that mark since winning this race two years ago.

Given how deeply competitive this 18-runner affair is each year, it could be viewed as slightly surprising that the average winning SP from 1990 to 2020 is just 9.7-1. Favourites have won just two of the last ten runnings, but those prominent in the market have often clicked.

Cowboy Justice, a decisive winner at Killarney a couple of weeks ago, heads the betting with some firms but will be bidding to become the first three-year-old to win the race since Palace Star struck for Peter Casey in 2004.

Some 34 horses aged three have tried and failed to win the race since 2010, 13 of whom were priced at 10-1 or less.

Mosala, trained by Henry de Bromhead, ran creditably when third to Sirjack Thomas here last year and looks another lively candidate off 4lb lower from a better draw this time.

Cowboy Justice: big player for Jessica Harrington and Shane FoleyCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Galway native Leigh Roche will be hoping a 5lb rise for winning a competitive Curragh handicap on Irish Derby day doesn't stop his mount Fastnet Crown from playing a major role, while €12,500 bargain buy Magic Chegaga is in excellent heart.

Previous winners lead way for McGuinness

Ado McGuinness believes the proven course-and-distance form of previous BMW Mile winners Saltonstall and Sirjack Thomas puts the pair at the head of his eight-strong team.

However, the Group 1-winning trainer insists solid cases can be made for all of his candidates in the €120,000 prize.

"They all have chances, but if you want to go by the term 'horses for courses', Saltonstall and Sirjack Thomas could be the two," said McGuinness.

"Saltonstall knows the road to Galway so well that he'd nearly drive the lorry down there for us. He ran a cracker at Leopardstown last time and we're delighted with him.

Sirjack Thomas (leader): pulled clear of stablemates Saltonstall (white cap) and Current Option in last year's Colm Quinn BMW MileCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

"I was delighted to see Sirjack Thomas get in at the bottom of the weights. We've kept him nice and fresh so hopefully he can do what he did last year."

Casanova, runner-up in the Nasrullah Handicap when last seen, is the top-rated candidate in McGuinness's squad with a mark of 99.

The Dublin-based trainer said: "Casanova is in great form and is a class horse, having been placed at Listed level. He's been knocking on the door in good races all year, so hopefully he might get his day."

Current Option could bid for a hat-trick of wins in Sunday's Ahonoora Handicap after lining up here. He contested this 1m½f event in 2020 and 2021 before scoring in that 7f contest.

McGuinness said: "Current Option is well handicapped. He didn't run badly in this race last year off a mark of 105 and runs off 97 this year. I'd be expecting a big run from him."

Ado McGuinness on Spanish Tenor: 'I think he'll run a big race. For whatever reason, he's improved this year'Credit: Caroline Norris

On the remainder of his team, McGuinness added: "Spanish Tenor has had only four runs this season – we've kept him lovely and fresh and I think he'll run a big race. For whatever reason, he's improved this year.

"Star Harbour ran well when third in the Irish Lincolnshire earlier this season and the ease in the ground should help him to hopefully run well.

"Pierre Lapin is a classy horse, who was a Group 2 winner in his younger days. Bowerman looks to have gone off the boil a little, but you never know what might happen when they go down in the weights as he has. Form is temporary and class is permanent."

What they say

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Patrick Sarsfield
He's in good shape at home and has been running well in a slightly higher class than this, but he carries plenty of weight as a result. The trip should be fine.

Kevin Prendergast, trainer of Monaasib
He's in good form, but he's drawn wider than ideal [stall 17].

Dermot Weld, trainer of Crystal Black
He has his chance in what is a highly competitive handicap that often requires a lot of luck.

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Cowboy Justice
Three-year-olds don't have a great record in the race but he's got a lovely weight. He travelled very well last time at Killarney. His draw probably isn't great and this is a race where you need plenty of luck.

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