5.00 Galway – Samui (Each Way)
Samui has been in excellent form on the Flat over the last couple of months, and it’s interesting to see him come back hurdling. I think the key to him is better ground, and the conditions should be right up his street today. Last season he finished second at the Galway Festival behind Grade 1 winner Mystical Power. If he can transfer his recent Flat form to this race, then a mark of 126 could well be lenient.
5.30 Galway – Talgo Abbess (Each Way)
Talgo Abbess looked like he needed the experience on his racecourse debut at Bellewstown last month. He appeared to be a little green, but when he was gathered together and asked for his effort, he ran on well. You’d like to think the son of Cotai Glory will step forward for that run and that he will be able to put his experience to good use and get involved in the finish, as most of these are having their first outing.
6.00 Galway – Flash De Touzaine (Each Way)
I think Donagh Meyler might be able to bag another win over the Galway fences in this race. The nine-year-old gelding was given a pipe opener at Wexford last month, where he finished second over 2m3f, which was on the short side for him. If you look back through his form, he’s been a great servant to connections, which included a third-placed effort in the Scottish National. He’s won over this course and distance before, and I think he has an excellent chance of being in the frame each way.
6.35 Galway – Derry Lad (Each Way)
Derry Lad has been running well this year without getting his head in front, probably over trips that are too short for him, so stepping up to 1m4f here will suit. The last time we saw him, he was an eye-catcher at Epsom when he was denied a clear run, and he probably would have challenged the winner. He is drawn in Stall 18, but over the longer trip that doesn’t come into play. I can see him going well.
7.10 Galway – Andromeda (Win)
It’s not a strong selection, but Andromeda should be breaking her maiden tag here. She finished second on all four of her career starts, but there’s nothing wrong with what she’s been doing. Last time she was only half length away over 1m4f, which was her first start over that trip. I think over this distance she has more to offer, and this hopefully will be her time to shine.
7.40 Galway – Apollo Prince (Each Way)
Quite a few of these look exposed, but Apollo Prince ran very well to finish second at Limerick last time out. He seemed to hit the line hard, and I think he will be suited by the stiff finish at Galway. Alexandra Egan keeps the ride, and she’s able to claim a huge 10lb, which will certainly help. I think he can improve on that and go one better this time around.
8.10 Galway – Dawn Rising (Win)
This is a very trappy race, but my tentative selection is Dawn Rising. He probably hasn’t quite been at his best this year, but he’s run in some very competitive races. I think the key to him running well today is the form of the Joseph O’Brien yard; they’ve had quite a summer by their standards, but this week they’ve been running well, and he’s already a couple of winners at the festival. Maybe this is his time to peak.
8.40 Galway – Narlita (Each Way)
Narlita didn’t quite get home over 2m here on Wednesday, so dropping back down in distance will help. She travelled really well into the race and looked like she was going to win, turning in for home, but she didn’t have the stamina to see it. A lot of her opponents haven’t run over this far before, so I am not sure if they will get the trip. If Wednesday’s race hasn’t taken a toll on her, then I can see her being in or around the money.
