1.55 Galway – Hipop De Loire (Win)
Hipop De Loire is a very interesting horse for Willie Mullins. He’s entered in the Ebor at York later this month, but connections have decided to go hurdling him. On the Flat he was a Group performer in Germany, so he brings a lot of ability to the table. This isn’t a strong race, so if he can transfer his Flat for he’s probably the one they’ve got to beat.
2.30 Galway – Beacon Edge EW
Beacon Edge has been a great Gigginstown horse over the years, but I have a feeling that there might be one more day in him yet. The 10-year-old has been holding his form well this summer, which included a win at Ballinrobe in May. I don’t think there are too many horses in this race that are well handicapped, so I am looking at the classier types. He might have to carry top weight, but his form is better than a lot of these, plus he’s won around Galway before, and he’ll stay. He ticks a lot of the boxes for me.
3.05 Galway – Puppet Master (Win)
This could be a race that could work out well, but Puppet Master shaped with a lot of promise when he finished second at Killarney. He’s got a lovely pedigree by Camelot, and you’d think he’d have learnt from his debut. Aidan O’Brien has been going well with his juveniles at Galway this week, saddling a couple of winners, so you wouldn’t be surprised if he did again.
3.40 Galway – Vadali (Win)
Vadali has a lot of experience and went really close last time to breaking his maiden tag at Limerick. He was just collared late on, but I think the winner, Bomberg, could be a nice horse. His connections have reached for the first-time hood here to probably just help him settle a little bit better. Furthermore, they’ve gone and booked Colin Keane, so they must be expecting a big performance. With a good draw in Stall 2, he’s the one to beat.
4.15 Galway – Elzem (Win)
It’s not an original selection, but Elzem’s form is miles above most of these, and as a result, he has to carry topweight. The last time we saw him, he finished second at Naas and was only caught late on. I don’t think the long straight suited him, and I think going back around a bend will suit. Dylan Browm McMonagle will probably want to ride him handy and put his experience to good use. If they do, he could be hard to peg back.
4.50 Galway – Dragon Of Malta EW
Dragon Of Malta is one of my favourite horses, and he’s done me a few good turns at Galway over the years. The last time we saw him, he finished fourth at Killarney and looked like he was being prepared for this race. He’s back down to the same mark when he won here last year, and if the rain does come, that will help him. The seven-year-old does like to make his own running, and he’s not got a bad draw to exploit those tactics in Stall 7. He’s my strongest fancy on the card.
5.25 Galway – Diyaba EW
Diyaba caught the eye when she finished third at Galway earlier in the week, and it’s interesting to see connections rolling the dice again. Most of her best form has come with ease in the ground, and it looks like there could be some rain around this afternoon, so conditions could turn in her favour. Also, James Ryan keeps the ride, who claims a handy 5lb. I can see her building on her recent effort and going well.
5.55 Galway – Arctic Piper EW
There isn’t much form to go on, but Arctic Piper has hinted at ability. He recently finished third at Wexford, which was a good run and just faded late on. His connections have reached for a hood, which will hopefully make him settle. If he does, then he should be bang there with his experience.