Punting pointers for the premier handicap as Mark Johnston sends a rare runner

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

Johnston out to break 40-year drought for Britain

Throughout its history this precious handicap has been won by just one British-trained challenger, when Majestic Nurse scored for Charlie Nelson in 1979.

Now 40 years later Mark Johnston sends only his sixth runner to Galway hoping to break that streak. He will be represented by Rufus King, who will be wearing the same colours as Majestic Nurse did all those years ago for owner Garrett Freyne.

The four-year-old has failed to win in his last 13 runs and has consequently dropped to a rating of 89, but assistant trainer Charlie Johnston is hopeful the son of Iffraaj can put in a good performance.

"It's not often we raid over there but he is owned by an Irishman so we've sent him over," said Johnston. "I think the extended mile will be ideal for the horse and we know he is classy on his day.

"He has slid down the weights and we would like the ground to dry out a bit as he is at his best on quicker. But the trip and track are ideal for him, so we're hopeful."

Baraweez bids to go one better for Ellison

Brian Ellison regularly has runners at Galway and the trainer will be hoping it is third time lucky for Baraweez, who has previously placed twice in this race.

The nine-year-old is also entered for the Ahonoora Handicap on Sunday, a race he won in 2014 and 2015, and bids to get his festival off to a flyer in this 1m½f contest.

Ellison said: "He seems to like Galway. He likes the style of racing over there and it suits him. He ran well at Chester and is in good fettle, so we're hopeful he can run well."

Baraweez won the Ahonoora handicap in 2014 and 2015Credit: Patrick McCann

Insignia Of Rank out to defy top weight for Murphy

Dermot Weld and Joe Murphy are the only two previous winners bidding to add another victory to their record, with the latter striking with Ask Jack in 2010.

Murphy runs Insignia Of Rank, who looks to overcome top weight and build on his Listed Celebration Stakes success at the Curragh last month.

"He's already won a Listed race and a premier handicap this year, and this looked another big pot worth going for," said Murphy. "He's got top weight but has a good draw, and I'm happy to put a line through his last run at Leopardstown. A few showers of rain would help."

What the others say

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Marshall Jennings and Onlyhuman
Marshall Jennings is in super form. We've had this race in mind for Onlyhuman for some time. He's been consistent this year and is in very good form. Some ease in the ground would be a big help.

Onlyhuman is one of two runners for Jessica HarringtonCredit: Patrick McCann

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Turnberry Isle
He's a horse who has been progressing nicely and he won well at Ballinrobe last time. He's in good form but, being a three-year-old, it's going to be hard for him from stall 18.

Peter Fahey, trainer of Hamley
We're taking a chance dropping her back to a mile and that's why the blinkers are on – to sharpen her as she hasn't the best of draws either [13]. She's in great form.

Dermot Weld, trainer of Jassaar
He'as been very consistent and has his chance in a competitive race. He's in good form and the trip and the ground should be fine for him.

Sheila Lavery, trainer of Quizical and Magnetic North
Quizical would prefer slower ground while Magnetic North came out of his Leopardstown win well and will handle the ground. Both have low draws which will help and they're in good form.

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Numerian
He ran very well when fifth in the Britannia at Ascot last time. It was his first run on turf. We've been happy with him since.

Ado McGuinness, trainer of Saltonstall and Aussie Valentine
Saltonstall is in very good form and I was delighted with his run at the Curragh last time. The draw could have been kinder but I had a look at the recent winners and a lot of them came from high draws, so hopefully he has a chance. We're very happy with him. Aussie Valentine is also in good form. He was fourth in the race last year and if he can get to the front he could have a good chance.

Gavin Cromwell, trainer of Innamorare
She ran a cracking race when second over ten furlongs at Leopardstown last time. She's back in trip but it's a stiff mile and with luck in running she should go well.

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