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Ladies Day at Galway Festival 2017 – Preview and Tips

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Galway Festival 2017 has slowly and steadily improved for us through the week and whilst Haymount was brought to juddering halt, Balko Des Flos rewarded my confidence by storming home in the Plate to deliver a big winner for Henry De Bromhead and JPFestival.com Members. Shaneshill, punted into favouritism, was a god second although a big mistake at the second last didn’t help him, whilst Slowmotion was a creditable third ahead of A Toil Phil, who shaped as if he had another handicap in him when catching the eye in fourth.

We move onto the Galway Hurdle (4.35) today, which is just as fiercely contested. Where Gigginstown went mob handed yesterday, JP McManus is today, with seven runners and the first reserve too, and the odds of all his contenders combined give him an evens shot of taking the race.

Whilst it will take some winning, he may well have the answer and two of his make the most appeal, with Western Boy the first selection. A fine flat handicapper, he has had some troubles that have kept him off the track but he showed that he retains a huge amount of ability when he won the Grade B Killashee Handicap Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival, always travelling best before finding plenty to win fairly snugly. Before that he was an excellent fourth in the Irish Cesarewitch in October 2015, and a year later he was going very well when slipping up at the Punchestown Festival in the Killashee Hurdle before that.

This presumably has been the aim and whilst he’s gone up 8lbs for that it appears that he retains a lot of his old ability, if not the level that saw him push Vautour to half a length in his novice days and he holds a major chance if he backs up his fine win.

The British have won this only once in the last 10 years but that’s not for a lack of trying and there’s nothing not to like about the challenge of Project Bluebook. A progressive juvenile hurdler, he was well fancied to run well in the Fred Winter at the Cheltenham Festival and ran a very creditable race when finishing fourth there.

His improvement was not done there, however, as he got the better of the subsequent  Grade 1 third Dandy Mag and the Triumph fourth Ex Patriot in the Dunboyne Juvenile Hurdle soon afterwards. That form makes him look well treated off a mark of 141 – which gives him a handy weight of 10-5, and his second at Catterick should have put him spot on for this assignment.

Max Dynamite went onto be a Group 1 horse after finishing second to Quick Jack in the 2015 renewal, finishing second in the Melbourne Cup after trashing his rivals in the Yorkshire Cup. If he’s over the physical issues which saw him disappoint so much on the flat two seasons ago then he’s chucked in but there’s  a great deal to be taken on trust.

That can’t be said for Swamp Fox, who took two handicap hurdles before running a fine race when second in the big flat handicap on the first day of the Festival. He’s a rock solid each/way chance whilst Joseph O’Brien and Barry Geraghty already have two winners on the board, so Tigris River, fifth in this last year, will have his backers. He won well at Bellewstown and looks well treated off 140.

Timiyan has impressed in winning both handicap hurdle starts since joining Gordon Elliott and should be seriously involved.

One who made the longlist but not quite the final cut was Airlie Beach, who was fancied to do big things after a fine romp in the Royal Bond before a disappointing spring. This is her first handicap and she’d be hugely well in off 140 if back to her best, and she was an encouraging third on her flat return at Killarney 15 days ago.

Best of the bigger prices might be Plinth, a good winner of a Grade 3 who carries a handy weight of 10-11.

The Guinness Open Gate Brewery Novice Chase (2.15) is a decent renewal in its own right and Don’t Touch It can give Jessica Harrington a decent prize. Chasing hasn’t always been easy for her seven-year-old but things dropped right at the Punchestown Festival when he took a decent handicap prize (Potters Point fifth, getting a stone). That represented a greatly improved effort for the Grade 1 winner over hurdles and he also gets 3lbs off Townshend, the other form horse in this field.

Townshend was an impressive winner over Potters Point at Punchestown before then beating Peregrine Run at Roscommon, both in impressive style, and he gets to meet Peregrine Run on much better terms here. He can also confirm the form with Landofhopeandglory, who learned a lot from his debut when fourth behind Townshend, whilst Rathvinden is interesting as he appears to retain a good amount of the ability that saw him finish third to Faugheen in the 2015 Neptune.

The opening Guinness Galway Gold Beginners Chase (1.40) looks to be rather trappy and the hopeful suggestion would be Fly Rory Fly, who was about 20 lengths ahead of Ballella Boy when he flew into a smart horse in the shape of Rathvinden (running in the race just mentioned) on his second chasing start. He was set to take a hand in the finish on his chasing debut at Clonmel and his jumping, whilst a question, can be trusted more than the O’Brien pairing of Oathkeeper or Tesseract.

Don’t Tell No One was third in this race last year and hasn’t been seen since, but the form of that contest has not worked out so well and he can be taken on with Just Cause interesting based on his recent return to form when second at Limerick nearly a fortnight ago.

The Guinness Novice Hurdle (4.00) looks to be one of the races of the day and the market has this as an exciting clash between Willie Mullins’ Lac Kivu and Joseph O’Brien’s Bhutan. A deeply impressive winner on his Irish debut at Punchestown, Lac Kivu looked a natural and was never in danger of being beaten when cantering home by 13 lengths at the end of May. That form has real substance to it too, with the runner up having bolted in by 17 lengths next time whilst Immortal Bridge has since won twice.

Bhutan was a deeply taking winner of his only flat start before finding a huge task on his hurdling debut in the Spring Juvenile Hurdle too much for him. It’s interesting to note that on his debut he left the useful Housesofparliament (a winner for us earlier this week) in his wake. He was a taking winner when last seen and he should also have brushed up on his jumping since then.

Robin Des Foret has three wins from four over hurdles and should prove a decent level to the form whilst Its All Guesswork is stepping down in trip and up in grade, foe all he did get off the mark at Punchestown last time. Dorans River got the better of him in June at Roscommon and wasn’t right when behind him at Punchestown whilst Oakly is held on those formlines.

The Corrib Stakes (3.25) ought to be wild with 16 runners over seven furlongs so it’s not a surprise that Raymonda, top rated by a good distance, is favourite given that she has the plum draw In stall 2. She was ahead of second favourite Music Box in the Brownstown Stakes there and should go well although her yard has struggled this season. Drumfad Bay won the Rouge Stakes at Killarney and did it well but has stall 12 whilst Alphabet, returned to a more suitable trip following her last placed finish in the Sapphire Stakes, has a nightmare draw in stall 14.

The Guinness West Indies Porter Flat Race (6.00) is a tricky contest. Dayna Moss was well backed before a fair fourth on Monday and will like the extra distance whilst Peacocks Secret should fine a race like this sooner rather than later and All Good Things was the most eye-catching of the field when third at Punchestown on debut at 33/1. It could be a race for well, drinking the porter.

Galway Festival 2017 tips

1 pt each/way Western Boy, Galway Hurdle (4.35) (14/1 general)

1 pt each/way Project Bluebook, (4.35) (16/1 general)

2 pts win Don’t Touch It, 2.15 Galway (2/1 general) 

Galway Festival – Day 7 – Preview and tips for all races

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We’ve had a couple of days away from Galway where the opportunities that had been presented to us earlier but for those who want one last fling there’s a bumper card of opportunities for both bookmakers and punters alike.

We start as the day means to go on, with a fiercely contested handicap hurdle (2.15). Joseph O’Brien has had much to celebrate in a training career that has quickly taken on all of the promise that can be expected of the family and he can add to a burgeoning tally of Galway winners with Cradle Mountain. A useful horse on the flat when rated 92 as a stayer, it’s taken him five goes to get off the mark over hurdles but he showed willing attitude to get the verdict at Ballinrobe last time out, handling a tight just as tight as Galway (if not more) with aplomb. He should have plenty to give once again now handicapped and whilst he’d taking on his elders for the first time he makes plenty of appeal.

Robbie MacNamara used to ride in these races before injury had its say but you cannot keep a good man down here and the rookie trainer has one of interest in Chadic. Rated 100 at his peak on the flat and then 85 at the time of switching careers, he travelled well when putting that flat class to good use when taking a maiden hurdle at Cork before he had to show a good attitude to get home. He ran respectably, if not as well as connections would have liked when he was midfield in a 2 mile handicap but he should be primed and ready and he’ll have learned plenty from his own hurdling debut to boot.

There will always be fast closer, gambles gone astray and unlucky losers, but several punters must have been weeping into their Guinness as Sea Light was beaten on Thursday after coming with a rattling late run to be denied by time more than Plain Talking in a 2m5f handicap hurdle. The winner was fourth in a stronger race than this yesterday and there’s a lot to like about his chances on paper but he’s no better than 6/4 once again here and it remains to be seen if this trip suits as much. He makes what looks a corking bettering market in the Galway Shopping Centre Handicap Hurdle (2.45).

Bye Bye O Bye is 9 now and has been raced vigorously but he’s never been better than now over hurdles and the attitude he showed to win at Punchestown was exemplary. That was back in May but he’s been kept ticking with a nice pair of flat runs and should arrive here in peak form. Going up 8lbs for a head victory may seem harsh but the second and third were the 1-2 in a similar event next time and it’s hard not to like anything about his chances given that evidence.

Rendezvous Peak was behind Sea Light on Thursday but ought to have come on plenty for that run and should be a little more comfortable at this trip too so there’s plenty going for him from an each/way perspective and Tulsa Jack is fantastically well handicapped based on his 16 length Midlands National win over fences last time. Of the bigger prices, Lucinda Russell’s Tatnamount is interesting.

The Irish Stallion Farms E.B.F. ‘Ahonoora’ Handicap (3.20) is a quality contest for the flat fans and dual code lovers. With 16 runners over the tight decent draw as ever is sure to be a help and Kellini thankfully has one in stall 5. Kevin Ryan’s charge took the Premier Handicap at the Irish Champions Weekend off just a 2lbs lower mark and has held his form most admirably since, competing well in a variety of group races, and he ought to be upto going very well even off a monster weight.

The ratings have the At The Races Chase (3.55) as being between two horses with Plate second Alelchi Inois rated 4lbs clear of Plate fifth Clarcam. Alelchi Inois was three lengths ahead of his Gigginstown rival there but is far better retreated at the weights today, carrying 4lbs less to make him 5lbs better off, and that should make him very hard to beat here if over that race.

Elegant Statement is 21lbs behind the top two on ratings but he was a good winner at Down Royal when last seen and will be counting on coming here fresher, having missed out on a run on Wednesday. Three Kingdoms was well beaten in that race and more is needed today; of more interest would be Mister Hoteller, ahead of Mr FIftyone and Cavite Beta in a strong Killarney handicap chase.

The fourth from the Plate, Devils Bride, is favourite for the Lord Hemphill Memorial Handicap Chase (4.30) and ought to take the beating here. He was returning from a break when beaten by Mr Fifrtyone at Punchestown and the previous Grade 3 winner ought to take the beating, along with Jessie Harrington’s charge.

Gordon Elliot has quickly learned how to target the Festival properly and is also making a Habit of taking the best of decent buys from other yards. Mountain King, an ex-Phillip Hobbs seven-year-old, takes the eye as an interesting switch and he has plenty of useful efforts to his name especially in a promising season last year when he wa fourth and second in decent contests before disappointing ion his last start. The form of his second at Ascot is decent with three horses having won since from it, all of them in good contests to boot, and if tuned up – it would be a surprise if this isn’t his target -then he can go well off 133. Henry De Bromhead took this last year with Ballylongford and he should step forward from his recent return at Wexford where the winner was in the form of his life to boot.

Dermot Weld has sometimes had disappointments this week but nobody knows how to prepare one better here and Trazani looks a plot right out of the top drawer for the JPK Fencing Handicap (5.00). Right out of the back on his debut, he was then beaten by just a head when second at Dundalk, promising to improve for a step up in trip. He was third on his return when stepped upto this trip at Cork, a decent run at the time but now looking like standout form, with the dominant winner Harzand having won two Derbies and the second Sword Fighter since a Group 2 winner. It could be that he was flattered to get so close to the runner up (now rated 101) he was six lengths ahead of the four-time subsequent winner Qatar Hunter who is now rated 96. Today’s rating of 78 has him thrown in and he must be upto going well.

In the Kenny Galway E.B.F. Fillies Maiden (5.30) he has another strong chance in the shape of Mounira, a Raven’s Pass half-sister to five winners, including high earners Mourilyan, Mourayan and Mourad for John Oxx. On the basis of her main contenders form she hasn’t got a huge amount to find to be making a winning debut here with Fly By, Eavesdrop and Garbadine all having been exposed. Nonetheless was third behind the Queen’s Vase third and should be the main threat here.

And last but not least, First Figaro is favourite to end the festival on a high for punters in the Fr. Breen Memorial (Pro-Am) Flat Race (6.00) but he flopped at Punchestown badly and he faces five other winners here in what looks a fairly decent bumper to end the festival. An Caisteal Nuadh was a deeply impressive winner on his debut and whilst he has a bit more on his plate today the second and fourth had plenty of decent form in six runs before that and he should improve today. Licklighter, The Birdie Crowe and Mountain Rock are all other winners that make this a good contest.

Advice

NAP – 1 pt each/way Bye Bye Oh Bye 2.45 Galway (12/1 general)

1 pt each/way Cradle Mountain, 2.15 Galway (9/1 Bet Victor)

1 pt each/way Chadic, 2.15 Galway (12/1 Bet Victor)

1 pt win Kellini, 3.20 Galway (11/2 general)

3 pts win Alelchi Inois, 3.55 Galway (4/6 general)

1 pt win Mountain King, 4.30 Galway (11/2 general)

3 pts win Tarzani, 5.00 Galway (15/8 general)

1 pt win An Caisteal Nudah (4/1 general)

Galway Festival 2016 – Day 4

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Gordon Elliot has had a stunning year and took the Galway Plate with Lord Scoundrel yesterday. That success signified a change in approach to the Galway Festival from Ireland’s second biggest yard and today he has excellent chances of more success in the Guinness Dublin Porter Beginners Chase (1.50) with Tagitelle. This is a tricky debut for his seven year old but as a 153 rated hurdler if he’s good enough over his fences he ought to take the beating and his fourth in the Pertemps is a solid effort that few could match.

His Tiger Roll will need to find his best form in the Guinness Harp Novice Chase (2.15) but he was a good winner on his first two starts before flopping in a well contested novice chase at Killarney. However in Hurricane Ben, a hunter chaser who has taken well to open company, Xsquared, an in form two time flat winner recently, Nerverushacon, who was in control before the fall of Akito at Killarney last time, and stablemate Cecil Cordon there’s plenty of opposition so it may be that this is a contest best left.

In the Hop House 13 Handicap (3.00) plenty of luck in running will be rewired by those who have the most compelling form claims; Dream Walker, Boherbuoy and Ruler Of France, and of those on the inside, bookmakers have cottoned onto the chances of Daredevil Day who is now a best of 6/1. It looks a trappy contest where any one of several winners wouldn’t surprise and investment’s best placed elsewhere. The Corrib Stakes (3.30) has the same dilemma with many of these having not built on their most promising efforts especially from last season. Of those, Emergent would make the most appeal at what should be a suitable trip and ground for the Weld charge but her latest effort was a limp one and she’s a bet to be treated with kid gloves.

With no fewer than six last-time-out winners going to post the Guinness Novice Hurdle (4.05) could prove to be a tricky puzzle to solve but Delegate’s now thriving over hurdles, will enjoy the train that has hit the track and gets a 7lbs claim from A J Fox, which gives him claims as good as any although Bel Sas, Black Warrior and Exactoris.

Dan and Harry Skelton have quickly made a name for themselves on the National Hunt scene with a string of notable successes and they have been especially proficient with handicaps. Their Super Story was a deeply impressive win in the County at the Cheltenham Festival and he should be up to going close in the Guinness Galway Hurdle (4.45). Having been kept fresh for the race, he travelled as well as anything in the race and was much the best, winning by nearly three lengths with a striking turn of foot. He’s only been raised 7lbs for that success, and connections are repeating the the same plan which worked at the Festival, having kept him fresh since then. The only major worry is softer ground than he’d have wanted but it shouldn’t stop him going very close.

Pyromaniac has an obvious chance of being one for the judges here and must be high on the shortlist, along with Clondaw Warrior, who has finally had a mini break of sorts, having finished third in the Queen Alexandra after his third in the Scottish Champion Hurdle. Both will expect to be on the premises whilst Joesph O’Brien’s Tigris River, fourth in the Coral Hurdle, should improve from his decent fourth at Ballinrobe last time.

Tony Martin has had a decent week both on and off the track and outside of Pyromaniac he has a fascinating pair of contenders in the shape of last year’s winner and third Quick Jack and Ted Veale. Quick Jack was off 12lbs lower last year but a succession of very strong flat runs and the 5lbs claim of Donagh Meyler give the impression that he is still well handicapped and another big run would be no surprise.

Ted Veale has had a quieter time of thing but is just a 1lb higher this time around and was back to form when finishing second in the Q.R Handicap on Tuesday. He’d done that last year when following up his third with another third there so the signs seem clear and 25/1 is a tempting price considering the assessor’s kind hand.

The Guinness Foals Handicap (5.15) has gone to favourites for the last five years and not many have shown the form to get into it so it’s no surprise that Camlann is popular after a wide margin win over 10 furlongs whilst he was a decent third over hurdles earlier in the week. With recent Leopardstown winner Tara Dylan wanting some more decent ground few have shown the form that would make them appeal although new Gordon Ellliot recruit Mischief Maisy was of interest.

In the Guinness West Indies Porter Flat Race (6.00) very little makes appeal with the best ability having been shown by Liancillo Lord, who iss coming back from a 15 month break. There have been promising runs from others at the top of the market but they all came in weak bumpers and it’s best watched.

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Advice

2 pts win Tagitelle, 1.50 Galway (11/4 general)

1 pt win Delegate, 4.05 Galway (11/2 Bet365)

2 pts win Superb Story, 4.45 Galway (9/2 general) NAP

1 pt each/way Ted Veale, 4.45 Galway (25/1 Bet365)

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Galway Festival 2016 – Day 2

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When thinking of horses to follow through the jumps season proper not many will turn their heads back to Galway, but tonight’s opening Colm Quinn BMW Novice Hurdle (5.15) looks to be a race that form watchers ought to keep a close eye on. Favourite Three Wise Men has had just two starts, but he looked a decent prospect when taking his maiden hurdle and ran a fine race to be third at the Punchestown behind two high class prospects in the shape of Koshari and Bello Conti. The latter named of those had been fourth in the Neptune and then again at Aintree, so sets a high level of form, whilst Sound Money (nine lengths behind) has since won to boot.

Joesph O’Brien had his first winner at the festival – a tally that’s sure to rise rapidly this week and through other years – and his Oathkeeper has impressed in two hurdle wins over longer distances. The drop back shouldn’t inconvenience him too much whilst one has to be wary of Penhill, the 100 rated flat horse who burst a blood vessel last time out at Killarney. If bouncing back he should go very well and they make a fascinating trio of market leaders; Master of Verse should be happier at this trip than others but has failed to take advantage of being in strong positions the last twice whilst Billy’s Hope has run in better company and been beaten here. Derulo should appreciate the return to good ground whilst Hudson’s Bay makes more appeal than Gunner McGregor for an each/way bet.

Former Cheltenham Bumper winner Briar Hill has been reasonably popular as he attempts to get back on track in the Latin Quarter Beginners Chase (5.45). If he shows his best form he should take the beating but injuries sustained at the 2013 festival have taken their toll in a significant way and this trip looks to be shorter than he would want even at a stiff track. However he doesn’t seem to have a huge amount of opposition here although his chief rival Tocororo is of most interest. A Consistent juvenile hurdler, she gets plenty of weight and may have more to give than Joesph O’Brien’s Draco.

Aidan O’Brien and Dermot Weld dominated the juvenile maiden yesterday with the colts and they are expected to do the same with the Colm Quinn BMW E.B.F. Fillies Maiden (6.15) in the shape of Ezyira, a good second on her Tipperary debut when surrounded by horses with previous experience. She makes more appeal than Hydrangea, widely expected to improve significantly on her late running 10th at the Curragh in a maiden the stable have used to good effect. Both are probably too short however and a third contender with experience is of significant interest here.

Magen’s Moon looked as if she would improve for another furlong when she was fourth at Naas behind and impressive winner who has since finished runner up in a Group 3 and if she breaks on terms today from 3 she could find herself on the premises once again. Any money for Falling Angels, a Galileo filly who is out of the trainer´s Moyglare and Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Again, would speak volumes whist Dreamy Gal, a Dream Ahead filly out of a winner at a previous festival, is also one to watch in the market.

On the ratings, the Caulfield Industrial E.B.F. Maiden (6.50) is a match between the useful Saffaar and the once raced Sikandarabad, gelded and absent for 404 days since finishing second to the subsequent group 2 winner Painted Cliffs when giving weight. He has likely had his issues but surely has been primed to the minute for this and would be preferred of the two on natural ability.

The BMW Mile (7.20) is one of the toughest and most fiercely contested events of the week every year and this renewal is no different. It’s interesting to note that despite the draw playing a major factor over the course of the week, several of the past winners of the decade, six in total, have come from double digit draws to boot. The market has several contenders stacked on the inside, all of whom with decent claims, and of those Creggs Pipes and Gussy Goose are of most interest. Creggs Pipes, an all out Listed winner at Killarney when following up a decent Curragh handicap win, only went up 4lbs for that, a fair verdict even if many contenders disappointed there. Gussy Goose, coming from last year’s winning stable, had no luck in running there and would surely have been close with a clear run to boot. Only 6lbs higher than her last winning mark, she’s of great interest here although trouble in running could become a serious issue again for her, a chance worth taking. Brian Ellison’s three ore of interest, perhaps headed by Stipulate on better ground than he faced at Doncaster with Baraweez having a pig of a draw and Top Notch Tonto well handicapped but exposed still. Dermot Weld’s pair of Ashraf and Karalara are of major interest, although the former wants it softer on all previous evidence (having disappointed in two handicaps before) and the latter is dropping in trip two furlongs after breaking her maiden.

In the Caulfield Industrial Handicap (7.50), Weld’s Malinka may be flattered by a mark of 76 and is already popular but Previous C&D winner Could Should Would was caught late by a well-handicapped horse over 1m at Killarney last time and this drop in trip gives him a fine chance of making amends here.

In the Caulfieldindustrial.com Handicap (8.20) Weld has a fantastic record and his Monocle, a relative To Workforce and King’s Best, should enjoy the step up in trip but nothing from the head of the market makes real appeal and recent Killarney third Neatly Put, whose form reads well, makes most appeal. Watch out too for Grey Sky Blue as well, inching up the handicap without incurring too many major

Advice

1 pts Three Wise Men, 5.15 Galway (5/2 general)

2 pt win Torocoro, 5.45 Galway (11/4 general)

1 pt each/way Magen’s Moon, 6.15 Galway (9/1 general)

1 pt each/way Gussy Goose, 7.20 Galway (8/1 genera)

1 pt each/way Could Should Would, 7.50 Galway (15/2 Bet365)

1 pt each/way Neatly Put, 8.20 Galway (14/1 general) 

The Galway Festival 2014 – Preview

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Carlingford Lough wins Galway Plate 2013

The Galway Festival is only a few days away so here’s a preview for you. Irish racing’s summer spectacular runs over a stamina sapping seven days. Around 150,000 fans will attend, many for the full week, determined to soak up every last drop of Galway hospitality. The racing is of course the centre of attention, but more than many festivals, this is a celebration of racing and everything connected.

At a meeting where both Flat and Jump racing run side by side, opulence and earthy blend seamlessly. The natty and the nutty, and all of those in between are welcomed guests at this wonderful gathering.

The Festival first took place at the Ballybrit racecourse back in August 1869, though records show of race meetings in Galway as far back as the 13th century. The feature race is the Galway Plate, held on the Wednesday of the meeting. The 2m 6f chase was won last year by the JP McManus owned Carlingford Lough. The race favourite ridden by champion jockey AP McCoy was one of the most popular winners of the meeting, seemingly backed by every punter in Galway.

In recent times, the meeting has proved a happy hunting ground for top Irish dual-purpose trainer Dermot Weld. With 11 winners in 2013, nine in 2012 and an incredible 17 in 2011, he is the man to follow. Though a word of caution. His victories come predominantly in the Flat events.

Tony Martin is another Irish trainer worth following. Of his eight winners at the meeting last season, five rather surprisingly came on the Flat. But a Tony Martin/Ruby Walsh combination over obstacles is always one to be feared and followed.

The quality of horses entered at Galway should not be underestimated. At last year’s Festival Mustajeeb won a two-year-old maiden for Dermot Weld, and just last month was winning the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot. Wicklow Brave was a decent priced winner for Willie Mullins before going on to a successful winter over hurdles, culminating in being well fancied for the Supreme Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Tarfasha was another Weld success in a two-year-old maiden. The classy filly was a terrific second in this year’s Epsom Oaks. Carlingford Lough won the Galway Plate before going on to win Grade One chases over the winter. Spring Heeled could only manage second at Galway but won at the Cheltenham Festival in March. Whilst Missunited was another winner at Galway last year and went on to run sensationally well at Royal Ascot, when third in the Gold Cup.

This year’s Galway Festival is sure to uncover more stars of the future in both codes of racing. For the thousands in attendance and those less fortunate who have to watch the action on TV, the trick is finding those all elusive winners.

On the first day Erlkonig is a horse I fancy in the opening novice hurdle. An impressive winner at Tipperary on his second hurdles outing, his German pedigree is interesting with the likes of Fair Along and Catch Me distant relatives. He’ll need the rain to stay away, but could be a fair type going forward.

Tony Martin has Quick Jack entered in several races in the week. He hinted at taking his chance on the Flat and the Connacht Hotel Handicap on the opening day could be the race. Aiden O’Brien’s Marchese Marconi looks the danger, but Quick Jack could be very well handicapped after strengthening up over an impressive winter hurdles campaign.

Queen Alphabet is another novice hurdler who has several entries during the week. By Kings Theatre, she will also need decent ground to be seen at her best. I’ll follow her in whichever race she takes on.

On day three the Galway Plate is the highlight. Jonjo O’Neill has a couple of entries, both carrying the famous “Green and Gold”. It’s A Gimme was successful at Market Rasen last week whilst Rum And Butter is interesting, also a winner at Market Rasen last time out. I’d fancy either if AP takes the ride, with both on attractive handicap marks. Road To Riches has to go close with a run. He’s probably one of the classiest horses in the race, but may be vulnerable to one down the handicap.

The Galway Hurdle is the feature on Thursday. Pique Sous would have been a strong fancy, but sadly is out for the season. That leaves Bayan and Plinth as my two to beat. I’d also expect Stocktons Wing to run a big race at a fair price. Flaxen Flare went close as a four-year-old in last year’s race, which makes me more optimistic about Plinth, though his jumping is sure to be a crucial factor.

I wrote earlier of how the Galway Festival is often a showpiece for future stars. In 2012 both Our Conor and Annie Power were in attendance. Few could have predicted the impact both would make on the jump racing scene.

So there you have it. A sensational yet rather exhausting week is sure to be had by all. I for one cannot wait.

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Galway Festival: Horses to watch by Paul Ferguson

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Diplomat

Galwaybayhotel.com Novice Hurdle, 5:10 Monday

You don’t need me to tell you that Dermot Weld has a fantastic record at the Galway Festival and he has taken the curtain-raiser five times in the past nine years. Directly after he won at Sligo earlier in the month, this four-year-old only event was nominated as the next target for Diplomat, who clearly improved for meeting decent ground for the first time over timber.

Third to Cheltenham Festival winner Flaxen Flare on debut at Leopardstown over Christmas, he then disappointed in a Grade 2 won by the classy Annie Power and in a competitive Listed event at Naas. The smart Flat performer travelled strongly at Sligo last time and readily saw off King William (a winner since), which should have teed him up perfectly for his trainer’s favourite meeting.

Entered in the Galway Hurdle and also in the Topaz Novice Hurdle on Tuesday, this looks the obvious race for him and he is Weld’s only entry at the five-day stage. Like most of the horses listed in this feature, he will want the rain to stay away in the lead up to the meeting.

Wicklow Brave

Pillohotelgalway.com INH Flat Race, 8:15 Monday

There are plenty of unknown quantities among the 49 entrants for the concluding bumper on day one, but Wicklow Brave looked a sure-fire future winner when runner-up at Punchestown in late May and the four-year-old sets a decent standard.

Ninth to the exciting Very Wood at the Punchestown Festival a month earlier, the son of Beat Hollow appeared to appreciate the faster ground last time and looked all over the winner when hitting the front inside the final quarter-mile.

Headed close home, the form of the race is mixed, but the fourth and seventh won next time and Willie Mullins’ charge looks sure to make a bold showing in the colours of dual Grade 1 winning juvenile, Diakali.

Union Dues

Tote Win 24% Better Than Bookmakers SP (Q.R.) Maiden, 4:45 Wednesday

Though this feature was aimed at nominating jumpers to note at this week’s mixed meeting, Union Dues sneaks in based on the strength of his bumper form from last season and, given the speed he possesses, Willie Mullins’ five-year-old looks up to winning a maiden on the level over 1m4f.

A Grade 2 winner at Navan in December, where he disposed of the well-regarded Champagne James, the son of Malinas travelled powerfully for a long way in the Champion Bumper, before fading from the foot of the hill.

This could be quite a warm heat, with the likes of Blackmail and Que Pasa entered, as well as Wandering Star who could represent Dermot Weld, who has won this race four times in the past nine years. She is choicely bred being a half-sister to Unaccompanied and she won a bumper under Jane Mangan in May; her jockey on that occasion clearly rates her, judged on the comments she provided me with for Jumpers To Follow (she features among her horses to follow).

But, Mullins himself has won this race twice since 2009 with Blackstairmountain and Fatcatinthehat last year, and Union Dues is fancied to add to his tally.

Pique Sous

Guinness Galway Hurdle, Thursday 4:55

Readers of my column in Racing Ahead magazine will know that I have had Pique Sous in mind for this race for some time now, with the grey featuring among my summer horses to follow in early June, solely in the hope he would be entered here.

My confidence was slightly dampened when he finished only third on his return in a Flat contest at Bellewstown earlier this month (beaten by Ted Veale, who could re-oppose here) but he did tire late on and I’m hoping he needed the outing.

Based on his hurdles form, he looks potentially well in on a mark of 137 and he is better off at the weights this time with his recent conqueror. A winner over timber in October, he warmed up for the Festival by winning on the Flat at Dundalk, before finishing sixth in a red-hot renewal of the Supreme Novices’ (also finished third behind the same stable-mate Champagne Fever in the previous year’s Champion Bumper).

The six-year-old returned to winning ways on his favoured drying ground at Fairyhouse in April and, as long as the rain stays away, he looks sure to go well. A strongly run race over 2m on good ground is what this son of Martaline wants and, if the weather remains in his favour, he looks a bet at 7/1 (current best price).

As well as the quartet featured above, I’m really looking forward to Tuesday’s Topaz Novice Hurdle, where Shamar will be tough to beat if the ground remains on the quick side. He fairly bounced off the fast ground at Killarney to win a decent event recently and the stronger the pace the better for this five-year-old, so be sure to check where the pace in the race will come from.

This could be a warm event, too. The aforementioned Diplomat is entered (though more likely to run on Monday), while Que Pasa will have a 3lb pull following on from their recent meeting, if renewing rivalry. Another to note is Henry De Bromhead’s Elegant Statesman who looked a promising individual when scoring at Limerick in May; he is considered a chaser in waiting and is probably more likely to run later in the week over a shade further. Keep an eye on this son of Vinnie Roe, however.

Finally, Blackmail deserves a mention after splitting stable-mate Ted Veale and Galway Hurdle hope Pique Sous last time. As well as holding an entry on the Flat (in Union Dues’ race) Tony Martin’s five-year-old holds an entry in the opening maiden hurdle on Wednesday.

A smart bumper performer last season (fourth to The Liquidator in the Grade 1 at Punchestown and runner-up to Moyle Park over Christmas) he would be difficult to beat if translating his ability to hurdling, but it is worth remembering that Ted Veale was beaten in this race last year when sent off a short priced favourite.

Be sure to check out my daily selections from both Galway and Glorious Goodwood at www.betrescue.com as things could change considerably if the rain arrives, plus follow me on Twitter @paulfergusonJTF.

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