I’m keen to take a lot of Willie Mullins horses this week. Though he usually does well here, his horses have been running below far, so until we see them coming to hand, then I’m prepared to leave them alone.
4.50 Galway – Pigeon Island (Each Way)
I thought Pigeon Island might be the way to go here. He’s the best horse on ratings in the race and brings a lot of experience to the table. The four-year-old gelding was a good winner at the Punchestown Festival, and his prominent running style should be suited by the track. These colours have been seen a few times in the winner’s enclosure at the Galway Festival in recent years, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it happened again.
5.25 Galway – The Banger Doyle (Each Way)
Cases can be made for plenty, but I thought The Bangor Doyle was interesting for John Queally. He’s rated higher over fences, but connections have decided to exploit his hurdle mark, which is 25lb lower. His last few hurdles have been respectable, having made the frame in his last three starts. The son of Windsor Knot had a recent spin on the Flat on Killarney a couple of weeks ago, so he arrives here fit and ready to go. I’m expecting a big run.
6.00 Galway – Truth Be Told (Win)
This could be a good race, but Truth Be Told was a real eye-catcher when coming from well off the pace to finish fourth at Naas earlier this month. His trainer, Dermot Weld, has won this race three times in the last ten years, with horses that came here with at least one run under their belt. The son of Too Darn Hot has some fancy entries, so connections must think a lot of him.
6.40 Galway – Louiescall (Each Way)
Having a low draw can be key over the 7f course at Galway, and that’s the way I am looking here. Louisecall is drawn in Stall 3, and he likes to be ridden handy, so he’s in the right place to be. The three-year-old gelding ran on well to finish fifth at Fairyhouse last time out, suggesting the 7f trip should suit. Furthermore, Wayne Hassett is back on board, and he claims a handy 5lb. Two starts ago, he rode him when they finished third at Cork, so they have experience together. David Kelly’s horses are also in good form, having had a couple of winners in the last fortnight. I think he can be in the mix.
7.10 Galway – Enfranchise (Each Way)
Being drawn wide in this race hasn’t been a bad thing over the years, so that’s alright for my selection, Enfranchise. She loves Galway, having won at the Festival last year. The seven-year-old mare was last seen winning a Listed race at Gowran Park, and she looks like she’s been kept fresh for this. She just seems to stay all day, which is what you need, and the ease in the ground won’t be a problem.
7.45 Galway – Cruden (Each Way)
Shane Foley and Jessica Harrington have won the last three runnings of this race, and they look like they could make it four in a row with Cruden. He’s not been seen since breaking his maiden tag at Limerick in May, but he appeared to win with plenty in hand. I think an opening mark of 88 for his handicap debut is fair, and he’s probably been kept fresh for this. Furthermore, he is drawn in Stall 1, so it’s likely he’s going to be ridden forward.
8.15 Galway – Orderofthedance (Each Way)
It’s hard to know who’s going to win this race, as many horses will be making their debut under rules. However, I think the jockey booking of Derek O’Connor could be key for Eoghan O’Grady. He’s ridden for him four times in his career, winning once and coming second twice, so it looks like he books him for when a good run is expected. The four-year-old gelding doesn’t have much going for him on paper. However, Derek O’Connor is the type of jockey who doesn’t get out of bed for nothing.