After we hit with Ash Tree Meadow at 10/1 in the Galway Plate we look to add to the winners in an ultra competitive Galway Hurdle.
Galway Hurdle – Filey Bay 6/1
Done most of his racing last season in the UK which saw him take 2nd in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury and the a good third in the County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
Runs here off 1lb higher but I think we have yet to see the best of him. Had a prep run on the flat (missed the break) and that should leave him spot on for this.
With no worries about the hustle and bustle of a big field handicap, a mark of 142 should be still well within the rage of Filey Bay.
The form of the County Hurdle is form that some in this would struggle to match, and if he can run to that level again that should be enough to make him a massive player.
Galway Hurdle – Jesse Evens 14/1
Having been 2nd in the last two runnings of the Galway Hurdle I still think Jesse Evans comes in here with a lot less to prove than most of his rivals here.
Warmed up for this with two flat runs (2nd and win) which will leave him spot on to try make it third time lucky.
Granted he is 8lb higher than last year, but that shouldn’t stop another bold show from a horse who loves this course and distance. A massive each way player here.
Galway Hurdle Runner by Runner Guide
- Zarak The Brave – Grade 1 place in Juvenile Hurdles last season, once behind Lossiemouth. Can improve but very short for one who has yet to met a big field scenario.
- Filey Bay – Read above.
- Brazil – Once turned over Gaelic Warrior in the Fred Winter. Failed to meet that form since. Not one to trust.
- My Mate Mozzie – No win over hurdles since 2021, and hard to see him breaking that run here.
- Merlin Giant – Won a maiden hurdle here last season, and won a valuable handicap, but no where near that form since. Connections make him interesting.
- Glan – Forth in last years running. Big part to play here. Massive chance.
- Party Central – Beat Jesse Evans on the flat, and if in the right mood can play a hand. Knows how to win.
- Bailystok – Back to back wins makes him a very interesting runner for Closesutton. Do not dismiss.
- Jesse Evans – Read above.
- Might Tom – Very much a horse in the form of his life. 11lb raise for latest win might not be enough to anchor him.
- Fils Doudairies – Front runner who if left alone will be very dangerous around here.
- Tudor City – Two time winner of the Galway Hurdle entitles him to respect right away. Will have been laid out for this, don’t underestimate.
- Captain Conby – Will run his race, but no for a win point of view.
- Luck Max – Blinkers on after been well beaten at the Punchestown Festival. Hard to fancy.
- Da Capo Glory – One at a big price where I can see him filling a place.
- Icare Allen – Not often you say “pass” to a Willie Mullins horse.
- Cash Back – A grand servant. Can out run his big odds.
- Prairie Dancer – Easy to pass over here. Form not good enough to trouble the main players.
- Amir Kabir – Good ground would be ideal. Not totally out of it from an each way stand point.
- Gatsby Grey – Not a bad Novice Hurdler, and ran ok behind Jesse Evans on the flat.
