Galway Hurdle complete runner-by-runner guide and 12-1 tip for blockbuster handicap
SUN Racing takes on the blockbuster Galway Hurdle confident of finding YOU the winner.
Read on as we rate every horse out of five stars and reveal our tip at the bottom.
Back any runner you fancy simply by clicking their odds.
Galway Hurdle runner-by-runner guide
FILS D’OUDAIRIES 3
FIL your boots. Improving and taking win in the Grimes Hurdle at Tipperary last month. Comes here in the form of his life, but top-weight may anchor him.
JESSE EVANS 4
EVANS above. Was a good second in this 12 months ago, but returns off an 8lb higher mark. Tuned up for this with a nice Flat win at Leopardstown last month and should be spot on for today.
FILEY BAY 3
BAY watch. Ultra consistent finishing second in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury and third in the County at Cheltenham on his final two jumps starts. Up in the weights, but more to come despite Mark Walsh rejecting him.
LUCKY MAX 2
NOT so lucky. Will go on the ground, but his best form is over further and will find a few too classy over this trip.
PARTY CENTRAL 4
PARTY time. Smart mare who is very useful on the Flat and over timber. In great nick on the level and comes here with confidence sky high. The pick of Jack Kennedy and Gordon Elliott is desperate to win this valuable contest.
ZARAK THE BRAVE 4
ONLY the brave. The stable No1 could have been let in lightly on handicap debut. Smart juvenile form in Grade 1s and soft ground holds no fears for him. Expected to take high rank for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend.
BRAZIL 4
WONDER bra. Powerful galloper, but disappointing last time over hurdles at the Punchestown Festival. Freshened up since and enjoyed a nice blowout on the Flat last month. Mark Walsh is on board and a big run is expected with conditions to suit.
MY MATE MOZZIE 3
MOZZIE has bite. Disappointing last year, but has been trained to peak for this with a couple of spins on the level in recent months. Ground is a concern, but he has plenty of experience and no surprise if he hits the places.
CASH BACK 3
CASH flow. Classy, consistent and ran a solid race in the Grimes at Tipperary last month. Has difficulty dominating big field handicaps, but this veteran isn’t one you can confidently rule out.
BIALYSTOK 4
LOCK Stok. Rapid improver and produced a sizzling performance at Punchestown in April. Handicapper has reacted with a 9lb rise, but connections feel there is more to come. May want the ground to dry out, but has leading claims.
MAGIC TRICKS 2
NO Magic. Disappointing in this in 2021 and holds few secrets from the handicapper. Not knocked about in the Grimes last month and sure to be primed for this, but others have stronger claims.
MIGHTY TOM 3
MIGHT take flight. Impressive when winning as he liked in a competitive handicap at Killarney. Now 11lb higher, but those exaggerated waiting tactics may not work as well at this track.
DA CAPO GLORY 2
NO Glory. Tough stayer, but jumping is not the best. Ran an odd race in the Grimes Hurdle – dropping himself out before making late headway. Others appeal more.
ICARE ALLEN 2
ALL an unknown. Smart as a juvenile, but has struggled in premier handicaps this year and his Grimes Hurdle reappearance is open to interpretation. Could surprise.
PRAIRIE DANCER 2
IN need of a prayer. Third last year, but returns with an 8lb higher mark and a string of heavy defeats making up his recent form. Hard to see him bettering last year’s performance.
CAPTAIN CONBY 2
CON job. Talented, trained for this and has some headspace off his current mark of 137, but this fellow is a stayer. Type to run on into a place without winning. One to keep in mind for the Plate in a year or two.
GATSBY GREY 1
GREY day. Not a dour stayer, but also not a two-miler. Has little wiggle room off his current mark and unlikely to make his presence felt.
MERLIN GIANT 5
GIANT chance. Looked a handicapper going places when bolting up at Fairyhouse in December. A brace of poor runs since have seen him drop 3lb in the ratings, but he warmed up nicely for this with an easy win on the level at Down Royal. Go close.
AMIR KABIR 3
FAST KAB. Close second in the Listed Novice Hurdle last year and only subsequent defeats have came in Graded company. Fairly treated for handicap debut.
TUDOR CITY 3
CITY slicker. Veteran has won this twice already and shows no signs of slowing down after a big field win at The Curragh a month ago. Competes under similar terms to last year and could do it again.
RESERVES:
PATH D’OROUX 2
WRONG Path. Lightly raced course and distance winner for a shrewd yard. Only midfield at Punchestown and improvement needed.
A WAVE OF THE SEA 1
ALL at Sea. Grade 1 winner with a poor course record and inconsistent recent one. Hard to fancy.
GLAN 3
GLAN plan. Fourth last year, but arrives in much better form this time after handicap hurdle and Flat maiden wins. Leading player.
Galway Hurdle tip
EMMET MULLINS can get the drinks in with Merlin Giant in the Guinness Galway Hurdle.
The strapping six-year-old looked the perfect candidate for this race when bolting up in a similar contest at Fairyhouse in December.
The way he travelled last time suggests this test will suit and you would have to think that this has been the plan for a long time.
Willie Mullins is mob handed and the dogs are barking for Zarak The Brave — who may have been let in lightly by the handicapper.
Of the rest, Brazil is interesting and Gordon Elliott has yet to taste Hurdle glory, but Party Central looks his best chance for a long time.
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