Its another great day of racing from Galway on this Bank Holiday Monday with all seven races being streamed live from Ballybrit by Boylesports.
Boylesports continue with their offer of Best Price Guaranteed on all UK and Irish racing. Take an early or a board price on any race at Galway and if the starting price (SP) is greater, Boylesports will pay the better price!
Here is our preview of all seven races at Galway this afternoon with our tips in capital letters.
Ancient Days shaped well when runner-up over 2m4f at Ballinrobe latest but he may have to play second fiddle again, this time to SAM DA VINCI, who has shown ability in three bumper outings. The selection finished ahead of a subsequent winner when runner-up in that sphere last month and looks capable of landing an event of this nature over timber. Kilavalley has also gone close in bumpers the last twice and must be considered.
ROSS BAY found the step up to handicap company too much over this C&D last time but she was previously only beaten 12 lengths into fourth in a maiden hurdle that has worked out extremely well, and a repeat of that performance should suffice today. Chasing Shadows hinted at a return to last season's promising form when fifth at Fairyhouse 16 days ago and she rates an obvious threat. Shesonlyahorse completes the shortlist.
An open handicap but there is plenty to like about the chances of COOLE AVENUE, who scored with enough to spare over 3m at Listowel last month to suggest he can defy a 7lb rise in the ratings. Although Two In A Row was beaten 13 lengths by the selection that day, he reopposes off better terms and should get closer, while things didn't go to plan for Clashnabrook over fences on his reappearance but a return to smaller obstacles brings him into the equation. Turner Brown has flopped when sent off favourite the last twice but could be dangerous to rule out off a declining mark.
Dermot Weld has his string in fine form at present and his bumper winner Dancers Dilemma can go well after blowing the cobwebs away at Navan earlier this month, but a safer option appears to be GO NATIVE. Noel Meade talented hurdler was having his first outing since being sent off favourite for the 2010 Champion Hurdle when going down by two lengths in a 2m maiden at Navan last month, a promising performance that suggested he retains plenty of his ability and he should have much more with that outing under his belt. However, he isn't the only smart jumper in the field and Forpadydeplasterer will certainly be no pushover.
After four wins from five hurdle starts over the summer, CARLINGFORD LOUGH finished a slightly disappointing third when sent off odds-on for his chasing bow over this C&D last month. His jumping was sound on the whole, however, and he is afforded a chance to set the record straight here. Should the selection run below par again, Ipsos Du Berlais, a high-class novice hurdler last season, could be the one to capitalise on his chasing debut, while He'llberemembered should also go well following a promising first start over larger obstacles.
Gordon Elliott landed this race 12 months ago and has strong claims again today with ROMANESCO. After a last-flight tumble cost him victory at Cheltenham, he gained compensation with ease at Fakenham on Friday and a 4lb penalty doesn't look enough to halt this unexposed stayer. Bangonform also scored with plenty to spare last time out but a 12lb rise makes life tougher for him today, while Good Luck Chuck is also in good form but continues to rise in the ratings despite finding one comfortably too good latest.
It is hard to look past FICKLE FORTUNE in the finale. A highly impressive winner on debut, she was well supported for the Champion Bumper at the Punchestown Festival in April, only to be well beaten into fifth. This represents a much easier assignment and she is expected to make a winning reappearance with minimal fuss. King William, who filled the runner-up berth first time out at Roscommon at the start of the month, and Dessie Hughes' newcomer Somethingwonderful can fight it out for the silver medal.
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