We have three in the 2m 5f maiden hurdle. Champ Kiely (Paul) is having his first run over hurdles but has point to point experience and schools well at home. The trip and ground will suit. Lasparas (Danny) was disappointing in a maiden hurdle here last year and ran too free at Tipperary last time. We will try a change of tactics today to see if that brings about improvement. Valley Breeze (Sean O’Keeffe) has been off the track for nearly a year but is in good form at home. He handled the track at Sligo when third in a maiden hurdle so he should be fine around here. He could be each-way value.
We also run three in the 2m 6f handicap hurdle. Rock Road (Paul) was second over 3 miles at Kilbeggan last time but could have a big task at the weights. Vadaly (Sean O’Keeffe) needs this trip. Things didn’t go his way at Tipperary last time and we are expecting significant improvement here. Feigh (Brian Hayes) will also relish this trip and will be staying on at the end.
Purple Mountain (Paul) goes for the mares handicap hurdle over 2 miles. Her owner likes to have winners here and she has a lot going for her today. She is a course and distance winner and we are expecting her to go close.
We will have three runners in the Galway Plate Handicap over 2m 6f. Easy Game (Jack Foley) has top weight but hopefully Jack’s 3lb claim will make things a bit easier for him. He loves it around here and was second to Royal Rendezvous in this race last year. Annamix (Danny) was very disappointing here last year but a change of tactics today might be a help. El Barra (Paul) won very well at the Punchestown festival and this has been his target since. He has been in very good form at home.
Dads Lad (Ruth Dudfield) runs in the QR maiden over 1m 4f. He won a chase at Limerick last week but it is hard to make a case for him here.
We have two in the 3YO flat handicap over 2 miles. Berkshire Royal (Rachael Blackmore) will go on the ground but needs to improve a lot. Hopefully first time blinkers will be a help. Dark Voyager (Shane Foley) is a course winner and was second to Maze Runner at the Curragh last time. That form gives him a decent shout here.
