A look at Day 7 of the Galway races.

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Sun 6th Aug 2023
1.50 Galway (17 runners)
Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle
2m½f

Based on the total scores and the comments, my top three contenders for this race would be:

  1. Teed Up (IRE): Total score is the highest at 596.1. Comments indicate a strong performance history at this track, including a win at this race last year and near misses on other occasions. It’s difficult not to see this horse being involved again.
  2. Hearts Are Trumps (IRE): Total score of 401.5. This horse recently ended a losing streak and could potentially perform well again, but its lack of consistency is a concern. Nevertheless, the score and some positive recent form suggest it’s a possible contender.
  3. Stilyker (IRE): Total score is 383.7. With two wins out of three runs for its current trainer, Stilyker seems to be in good form. However, the comments note an issue with softer ground, so the weather could be a factor.

Sun 6th Aug 2023
2.20 Galway (20 runners)
Kenny Galway Handicap Hurdle
3m½f

  1. Wellhavewan (IRE): With a high total rating and good odds of 5/1, Wellhavewan appears to be the strongest contender for this race. The horse has a strong history and seems to be in good form.
  2. Takarengo (IRE): Despite the slightly longer odds, Takarengo’s high last race rating could indicate recent good form. However, the total rating is considerably lower than Wellhavewan’s.
  3. Pairc Na Ngael (IRE): This horse has a slightly lower total rating and odds of 7/1, but its last race and the one before last show decent performance. The horse also has a fairly consistent performance across its last few races.
Sun 6th Aug 2023
2.55 Galway (6 runners)
Eileen Kelly Memorial Chase
2m6½f

Based on the rankings and comments, here are my top three contenders for this race:

  1. Saint Sam (FR): Saint Sam tops the rankings in terms of total points and is offered the shortest odds. He has shown great form in previous races, outclassing opponents in Grade 3 Killarney contest and demonstrating good jumping skills. Even though the track might present different challenges in terms of jumping, given his recent performances, he seems to be the one to beat.
  2. Stumptown (IRE): Stumptown has shown considerable progress in his previous season’s chasing, winning handicaps at Thurles and Sandown and coming close in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham. His jumping let him down in the Irish National, but he still seems open to improvement and could emerge as the main threat to Saint Sam.
  3. Peregrine Run (IRE): Peregrine Run is the second-highest in the rankings but is given relatively longer odds, likely due to his veteran status and the fact that none of his 20 wins have come here. However, he might still have a chance to run to his rating, so I would consider him as a potential contender.

Sun 6th Aug 2023
3.30 Galway (14 runners)
Lord Hemphill Memorial Handicap Chase
2m2f 

Analyzing the comments and rankings, here are the top three contenders:

  1. Mt Leinster (IRE): He has the highest total ratings and recent good form, with two wins in the previous season and a solid comeback in December. His last flat race ended in a commendable second place. The drop in distance might be challenging, but given his overall performances, he stands a strong chance.
  2. Hubrisko (FR): Although a novice entering handicap, Hubrisko’s form shows potential. He was second in the last month’s Wexford beginner’s chase, and Paul Townend’s selection signifies confidence. The only caveat is the handicapper’s 5lb higher mark than hurdles, but if he can manage, he could be a strong contender.
  3. Sole Pretender (IRE): Despite top weight, Sole Pretender achieved a career-best when he won the Killarney handicap last month. He travelled strongly and jumped well. There’s some concern about his reluctance to line up, but his overall profile makes him one of the top contenders.

Sun 6th Aug 2023
4.00 Galway (16 runners)
Irish Stallion Farms EBF Ahonoora
Handicap (Premier Handicap)

7f

Based on the information provided, it looks like a competitive race. Here are my top three contenders:

  1. Dunum (IRE) – This horse has the third-highest total ranking (504.7) and seems to be in good form. The comments mentioned that the horse won five times last season and has been performing better recently, even in premier handicaps. The horse is known to perform well over the course and distance which makes it a strong contender.
  2. Hotrocket (IRE) – Hotrocket has the second highest total ranking (506.4) and has been progressively performing better, with a winning streak to maintain. While the comments mention a preference for good ground, this horse may still perform well even if the conditions are not ideal.
  3. Mutasarref – While the horse’s recent form isn’t as impressive as Dunum’s or Hotrocket’s, Mutasarref has the highest total ranking (545.7) and has demonstrated significant progress last summer, as the comments note. The transition back to handicap company might help the horse return to its winning ways.

Sun 6th Aug 2023
4.30 Galway (8 runners)
Kinlay Hostel Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden
7f 

  1. Stromberg: Currently the horse with the highest total points at 375.1 and odds of 4/6, Stromberg has shown potential in previous races. Despite having no wins in previous races, Stromberg chased home an impressive winner at Leopardstown and finished clear of the remainder, which suggests that he’s got the ability to perform well. Moreover, his half-brother I Siyou Baby has won three times for this yard as a 3yo, indicating a good pedigree. All these factors make Stromberg a strong contender.
  2. Kiki Roberts (IRE): This horse is ranked second with a total of 312.3 points and odds of 5/2. Despite being well held over 6f in her first time, she showed improvement when the distance was upped to 1m at Bellewstown. She led early and held on to finish under 2l away. Even though that form has taken some knocks, and she’s back to 7f against the boys here, Kiki Roberts could still be competitive in this race.
  3. Romford (IRE): Romford ranks third with a total of 270.8 points and odds of 6/1. After being off since mid-May, Romford was only beaten by 4l at Navan, and the winner was a subsequent Coventry fourth Givemethebeatboys. This suggests Romford is capable of holding his own against stiff competition. Moreover, he’s expected to improve over this extra distance, making him a notable contender in this race.

Sun 6th Aug 2023
5.00 Galway (10 runners)
Ireland West Airport Knock Handicap (50-80)
1m½f

Based on the provided data, horse performance and comments, my top 3 contenders would be:

  1. Malbay Madness (IRE): Seems to be in good form. The only time it didn’t perform well was during the Ulster Derby, and it bounced back quickly. Having the acclaimed jockey Colin Keane onboard also enhances its chances. The horse appears to have very strong claims for this race.
  2. Quantum Light (IRE): Despite not winning, the horse has shown plenty of promise in its previous races. Returning to a 1-mile distance shouldn’t pose a problem and its recent performances suggest it’s a strong contender for a top spot.
  3. Hasten Slowly (IRE): This horse managed to win over a similar distance at Naas and is racing off the same mark in this event. The filly’s recent performance hasn’t bolstered the form, but it has potential, although there might be concerns about its preference for ground conditions.

Sun 6th Aug 2023
5.30 Galway (10 runners)
Fr. Breen Memorial (Pro/Am) Flat Race
2m

Based on the rankings and comments, here are my top three contenders for the 5.30 Galway race:

  1. You Oughta Know (IRE): The total ranking points of 578.3 is the highest among all runners. The horse was easy to back at Kilbeggan but travelled strongly before pulling well clear of two horses who had shown ability. The comment highlights that You Oughta Know is seen as a strong contender, especially considering that Patrick Mullins prefers this horse to Aurora Vega.
  2. Aurora Vega (IRE): Even though Patrick Mullins has jumped ship to the stable’s other horse, Aurora Vega still carries significant weight as a top contender. The horse has a strong pedigree, and its win at Sligo indicates a high potential. Despite some concerns, it still managed to achieve a total ranking of 431.9 points.
  3. Lionnar (IRE): With a total ranking of 447.5, Lionnar is the third highest-rated horse in the race. Even though the race it won at the Curragh may not have been strong, Lionnar has a good jumping pedigree and should improve with racing.

Remember, horse racing can be unpredictable and while these rankings and comments provide guidance, they don’t guarantee a certain outcome. Please wager responsibly.

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