Hello there me auld segosha, it’s been too long! Yes, I made it back from my travels! In case you were wondering, I’ve been in Cuba for the past month travelling around trying to find myself! I’m still looking, but I did learn two valuable life lessons (1) Communism is very different in real life than how old Marxy planned it and (2) Cheap Rum gives you a bad hangover. But now I’m back, refreshed and rejuvenated, and ready to try and find a winner or two for the 7 day Galway festival!
Galway, the festival, is the best craic of all time with some of the most competitive racing of the summer. Galway, the track, is a little unusual. It’s about a mile and a quarter round with a lot of “undulations”. I use the quotation marks as perhaps these “undulations” would better be described as slightly slanting cliffs. The finish at Ballybrit is ridiculous. The say the hill in Cheltenham brings the best horse in the race to the front, or at least the one thats travelling the best. The hill in Galway, however, can really kill momentum and rhythm and often blows the race right open. Basically what I’m trying to say is the Galway track can often cause the punters to suffer, so don’t expect an easy ride this week, although DKW seems to have our backs!
With that in mind lets have a look at this evening’s card!
Galwaybayhotel.com Novice Hurdle 5:10 – Diplomat is the one to beat here and should get the job done for Weld and Walsh. He is being napped all over the place. I’m not going to oppose him as such but I’m just not backing him. His 8/11 price is most definitely not value, although I think he should win. Too risky for me. I’m going for a small each way bet in this on Honourable Emperor. The form with Green Dragon and King of the Picts with this fella is slightly underwhelming but it’s a small risk for a big reward to run into second or third. If he makes the frame consider it a bonus!!
Sean “The Budgie” Burgess Memorial Handicap Hurdle 5:40 – 23 runner handicap = each way play! I like two here. Hurricane Ridge from the Harrington stable has dabbled in both codes over his career but should be bang there today. Another is Habesh who carries a handy weight and has another 5 lbs claimed off him by Paddy Kennedy. Not too sure how the ground will suit but hopefully he can go well.
Claregalwayhotel.ie Maiden 6:10 – Weld’s Mustajeeb is the evens fav at the minute. I’ve gone for the more experienced Ballydoyle colt by the name of Friendship. I’d fancy his 6/4 chance. Beaten by a good horse in Exogenesis last time, this two year old is held in good regard at home and hopefully can beat this small field.
Connacht Hotel Handicap 6:45 – Call Me Bubbles the deserving favourite and Notable Graduate providing sturdy opposition in the market. There are a number here with statistical chances, so I’ve gone looking for some of the bigger prices available. John Nicholson provides the mare Knockcroghery who has struck a bit of form this summer. With the very able Rachel Blackmore claiming 7 lbs the weight becomes even more appealing to the punters eye. Ive gone each way on the mare but on merit Call me Bubbles should justify market favouritism.
Claytonhotelgalway.ie Handicap 7:15 – I’ve gone for the Bolger filly here in what is going to be a fairly competitive race. Strapless is coming from a yard in form and has class. She has no friends in the market at the minute and is available at 10’s or 12’s depending on where you do your business. I’ve gone each way on her but if you don’t fancy her Doc Holiday is an able alternative.
Galway Oyster Hotel Handicap 7:45 – Pay Day Kitten is the 2/1 fav at present. I’m contemplating not having a bet here as I think it could be a wise enough option. If you feel the need Great Explorer could be in the mix coming to the line although steps up the extra two furlongs in trip into unknown territory.
pillohotelgalway.com Bumper 8:15 – Weld has the favourite here in Martys Magic and the main market opposition is provided by the formidable bumper duo of Mullins Snr and Jnr in the form of Wicklow Brave. I’ve gone for the Mullins charge with an extra nibble on the Elliot trained Riverside city who also has friends in the market being well backed in to 5/1.
So thats it for Day 1, hopefully there is a winner there some where! I think I’m on the radio tomorrow so keep an eye on the twitter and I’ll let you all know what time! Best of luck with your selections.
Slán tamaillín,
T
Turf Talk 