Galway Day 3 Preview

Another decent day for the blog yesterday with Empresario doing the business after being well backed into 12/1 before the off. Baraweez ran a good race too, and hopefully we can find another winner or two on Wednesday.

3.00 Maiden Hurdle (2 Miles)

Deromt Weld hasn't had a winner in this race since Galileo's Choice back in 2011, and Willie Mullins won it last year with Most Peculiar at 11/2. Only one favourite has won since 2005, but there has only been one winner priced up at double figures in that time, so history would suggest it is wise for punters to stick to horses near the head of the market.
Thomas Hobson was a serious flat horse, and his last run off a mark of 96 resulted in a hard fought win at Doncaster (12F soft). He was bought by Mr Ricci with a hurdling career in mind, and he was duly sent off at 1/3 in a maiden at Listowel last month. He didn't jump well though, and ended up falling at the last. Even if he stood up it is debatable whether he would have won, and at near even money he has too much to prove for my liking.
Stuccodor is next best in the market for Dermot Weld, and he looks a far more solid proposition. He is rated over 100 on the level,and has run with promise on all his starts over hurdles so far. He hasn't been seen since May, and he looks like a typical Weld Galway winner. If Thomas Hobson wasn't in the race he would probably be 1/6, and given the Mullins' horse jumping frailties he is a confident selection at 11/8.
There are a couple priced up at huge odds that could run big races, and the most likely of these is Snaidhm at 33/1. I was down in Fairyhouse when she finished 3rd to Hostile Fire and Zafayan, and whilst she was well beaten in 3rd  she still went into my notebook. Her last run wasn't great, but this mare has ability and could reward each way support at 33/1.

Selection: Stuccodor ( 11/8) Long Shot: Snaidhm 33/1

3.35 Galway Handicap Hurdle (2 Miles)

A wide open affair. The Nutcracker is a mare I am fond of, and she is not handicapped out of things off a mark of 115. She has ability, and is in good form at home, but the big worry has to be the underfoot conditions. Sticky, gluey, drying ground will be no good to her, and she really needs genuine good ground to be seen at her best.
Annagh Haven is another horse from the Royal County with some decent form over timber, and arrives here on the back of a confidence boosting win on the level. She is versatile groundwise and off a mark of 109, with young Dempsey taking off another three pounds, she could be dangerous if the race doesn't come too soon.
Lost Book is another one to keep an eye on for local trainer Stephen Mahon, as she showed definite signs of returning to form last time out at Ballinrobe. She could be dangerous off a mark of 97, and the more the ground dries out the better her chance.

Selections: Lost Book (16/1) e/w. Annagh Haven (16/1) e/w.

4.10 Galway Handicap Hurdle (20F)

A wide open race, with a host of horses that have chances. Sir Ector is interesting off just 2lb higher than when a fast finishing 2nd over this trip on similar ground at Punchestown. He subsequently ran a huge race in a Group 3 race behind Forgotten Rules, and earned a flat rating of 103. Now he may well have been flattered that day, and he was 50/1, but it was a serious effort, and he returns to hurdles brimming with confidence. He looks to be worth a small interest e/w at 16/1.

Selection: Sir Ector (16/1) e/w.

4.45 Galway Flat Maiden 12F

No strong opinion in this race. Rightdownthemiddle has some decent form in the book and is  a speculative each way choice.

Selection: Rightdownthemiddle (16/1) e/w

5.30 Galway Handicap Chase (22.5F)

One of the most lucrative races of the festival and 25 runners have been declared. It is a minefield of a race for punters, and cannot be really considered a serious betting proposition. One that might be worth supporting each way at a huge price is Rathlin, for Gigginstown and Mouse Morris.
This former course and distance winner, who trounced Hidden Cyclone the day he won here, has slipped to an attractive mark, went close on his penultimate run over this trip,  and the talented young claimer Luke Dempsey takes off a handy 3lb. He likes the track, and could well produce a big performance on ground he will be fine on.

Selection: Rathlin 33/1 (e/w).


6,05 Galway  Flat Handicap (1 Mile)

A trappy handicap. Flannery is the each way selection. Well bred for this trip and Andy Oliver will be keen to get a winner on the board.

Selection: Flannery (18/1) e/w

6.40 Galway Flat Handicap (1 Mile)

I really like the Weld horse here, Shahzenna, who is extremely well bred. Tony Martin's Laganore sneaks in at the bottom of the handicap, but i;m not sure she is in the same league as the Weld filly, who is a good price at 6/1. I can't see it lasting.

Selection: Shahzeena (6/1).

7.10 Galway Flat Maiden.

Weld's horse looks a good thing here at 4/6. Boherbouy the only danger on form. Miss Youngs might run well at a price. She has a nice pedigree with a good jockey booking too.

Selection: New Agenda 1/2   Long Shot:Miss Youngs 66/1