Opposing Ansar around Galway is a thankless task that usually defies logic but those looking for a value bet in today's William Hill Galway Plate might be better advised to oppose their instincts and side with Manjoe instead. Brian O'Connor in Galway
To do that when probably the greatest ever Galway specialist is a hot favourite to bring off an unprecedented three-in-a-row in the Plate will take some effort and if Ansar does win there will be genuine delight for a universally popular horse.
Certainly, when the diminutive 10-year-old first ran at Ballybrit for John Oxx in 1999, and ran only third, no one could have imagined the impact he would have around here.
In eight subsequent races at Galway, he has only once failed to win, in the 2003 Plate, and his versatility has been proven on the flat, in the 2001 Guinness Hurdle, and two remarkable victories in the last two editions of the Plate.
Just one horse has won the summer's top chase on three occasions but even Tipperary Boy at the start of the 20th century couldn't do it in successive years.
Quite clearly when it comes to Galway, Ansar becomes something of a force of nature and with Ruby Walsh on board, there will be many willing to side with that force.
The big-race sponsors have seen Ansar continually backed in the ante-post market from 7 to 1 and despite having to concede a minimum of 10lb to 21 opponents, a Hills spokesman said yesterday: "I wouldn't be surprised if he goes off at 3 to 1."
But despite the goodwill, the overwhelming evidence, and the fact that Dermot Weld trained a 2 to 1 Plate winner in Kiichi (1990), it still goes against the grain to plunge on such a short price in such a hot race.
There is also the fear that rain at the start of this week may have left the ground slightly softer than ideal for Ansar.
In the circumstances, an each-way saver might be the smart move and there is plenty to like about the case that Manjoe brings to the party.
This will be the David Wachman-trained horse's second attempt at the Plate having run third to Ansar two years ago on just his third start over fences when getting only 4lb from the winner.
Problems after that meant it wasn't until the start of 2006 before Manjoe returned to action and the soft winter ground didn't appear to suit him at all.
However, there were definite signs of a return to form at Navan in June when even the exit of Foreign Seas at the second last couldn't disguise an impressive pace-forcing performance.
Crucially, Manjoe now sits perfectly on bottom weight in the handicap and gets a massive two stone from Ansar this time.
David Casey, who rode Ansar in 2004, is now on Manjoe and will know exactly how to go about tackling the favourite.
JP McManus has won the Plate twice, with Shining Flame (1978) and Grimes (2001), and has made a late bid with the purchase of last year's runner-up Ursumman. The fast ground he loves however might not be there.
It's 25 years since the last of Edward O'Grady's three Plate victories but Coast To Coast is increasingly fancied by many to make a bold attempt at bridging the gap. However, if there is one to make Ansar crack, and spoil the Plate party, it looks like being Manjoe.
Fran Berry steps in for Michael Kinane on Maraldiya in the mile handicap and the Oxx filly showed significant improvement for her debut when beating the odds-on Striking at Fairyhouse.
The latter didn't get the run of the race but a mark of 87 doesn't look bad for an obvious improver.
Dermot Weld and Nina Carberry combined to win the amateur maiden with Navajo Chieftain last year and Tempting Paradise could a follow up while the smart bumper horse Lord Over can make a winning debut over flights in the first.
