In-form Harty double-handed in the feature

Sabrina Harty is hoping to kick off the Galway Festival in great style when she saddles two contenders for the opening-day feature, the Connacht Hotel (QR) Handicap.

A maximum field of 20 are set to go to post and the County Kildare handler, who has her string in great form of late, will be represented by Kalann (Colin Motherway) and Dalasiri (Jane Mangan).

"They are both in really good form. In an ideal world I would have preferred both of them to be in the Galway Hurdle, but they were 10 and 11 in the ballot for that," she said.

"You need a lot of luck in this race, but they both have good draws at least. Kalann needs the ground as fast as he can possibly get it.

"If they get into the Galway Hurdle they could go again, or they are also both in a mile-and-a-half handicap on the Friday."

The James Nash-trained Massini's Trap won on his last start at Killarney and carrying just 10st 5lb here, he looks to have solid claims with Katie Walsh in the saddle.

"We are very happy with him since he won in Killarney and he is great nick. He has a lovely weight and it is great that Katie can ride him, but he is going to need a lot of luck from his draw of 18," Nash said.

"We will take one step at a time regarding the Galway Hurdle. It looks like he might just get into it, but we will see how tomorrow night goes." Quick Jack hasn't been seen since January but he is sure to have plenty of supporters representing last year's winning trainer and jockey Tony Martin and Steven Clements.

Dermot Weld is double-handed with both Pay Day Kitten (Robbie McNamara) and Grecian Tiger (Roger Quinlan), while Digeanta represents Willie and Patrick Mullins.

Others with leading claims are Marchese Marconi for Aidan and Sarah O'Brien, Gambling Girl for Jessica and Kate Harrington, and Storm Away for Pat Flynn and Paul Power.

UK raiders Swnymor and Streets Of Newyork add further spice to the mix, while the hat-trick-seeking Wither Hills and former winner Fosters Cross are two more who cannot be ruled out.