Polished Steel bids to maintain faultless chasing record in Grade 3 novice

The absence of Galvin, who was withdrawn from Wednesday's Plate with a bruised foot, blows the Grade 3 Rockshore Novice Chase (5.45) wide open.

Wicklow Brave brought the house down when landing the spoils last year, while subsequent National Hunt Chase hero Rathvinden was successful in 2017. Willie Mullins is not represented on this occasion and it is hard to see any future stars in the line-up.

Polished Steel might be able to pick up the pieces. He made all and jumped well when accounting for I’m A Game Changer on his first try over fences and Robbie Power could play a game of ‘catch me if you can’ once again here.

Gordon Elliott will rely upon Aforementioned who shaped with promise when second to Jerandme at Kilbeggan earlier this month.

The Guinness Novice Hurdle (4.45) kicks off Galway Hurdle day and John McConnell is more than hopeful Anna Bunina can supplement her recent Cork success.

McConnell said: “She was a little unlucky at Bellewstown where she came down while still in contention and we were thrilled to get her to win her maiden at Cork. We’ve decided to book Sean O’Keeffe and use his 5lb claim to try to negate her penalty for winning at Cork. I’d like to think she’s got a great chance.”

Adrian McGuinness, who sent out Saltonstall to win the big Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap on Tuesday night, is represented by Politicise.

The other Guinness Novice Hurdle on the card (7.15), over 2m4½f, sees Willie Mullins chasing a third victory on the trot in the race.

Foveros (2019) and Calie Du Mesnil (2018) did the business for the champion trainer and you will not get a big price about Jon Snow continuing his hot streak.

Willie Mullins: saddles Jon Snow at GalwayCredit: Patrick McCann

Held in high regard, he belatedly opened his account in a maiden hurdle at Leopardstown in March but the step up in trip could just be what the doctor ordered.

Mullins said: “He’s a nice horse who seems in good form and it was great to see him get his head in front at Leopardstown. He deserved that.”

No horse comes into the Galway festival in better form than The Trigger from the Ronan McNally stable.

The 11-year-old is like a fine wine and getting better with age. He won at Tipperary, Kilbeggan and Limerick in the space of 23 days and bids for a four-timer in the 3m handicap hurdle (7.45) with Mark Walsh deputising for the injured Sean Flanagan.

Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com