6.52 Galway – Handicap Chase (2m6f111y, €14,500, Yielding to Soft)

Race Shape & Draw Angles
A big field (15 declared), over an extended 2m6f around Galway’s stiff finish. Track generally suits those who can travel handily, but stamina and balance are key on yielding-soft. Pace looks strong: Pebble Bleu and possibly Cloughroe likely to force matters, with Whateys Quest and Cheerful Chap also going forward. That should set it up for those who settle mid-div and stay on.

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Strongest Contenders

Arctic Gale (Emmet Mullins) – Promising (P)
Lightly raced over fences, showed plenty at Tipperary (winner) and ran well here at the Festival in July. Mullins has campaigned him cleverly; looks on a workable mark (115) and likely to improve again up in trip. Stable 100% rtf% last 14 days. Big chance.

Whateys Quest (C Byrnes) – Progressive (p)
Only 7, lightly raced over fences, bolted up in December and has shaped well since. Third at Limerick latest was solid, cheekpieces sharpened him. Mark of 111 workable. Yard often lands touches here; worth noting if backed.

Cheerful Chap (P J Rothwell) – Progressive (p)
Has been consistent in staying chases, placed several times including a strong second in Listed novice handicap in March. Recent poor run at Kilbeggan excused (scrapes reported). Versatile trip-wise, but stamina should be fine here.

Cloughroe (P J Gilligan) – Progressive (p)
Locally trained, has run well at Galway before. Improving this summer with a win and placed efforts. Creditable type, still not overexposed, and 5lb claimer is valuable.

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Main Dangers

Sea Aster (Elliott/Kennedy)
Consistent mare but not straightforward – wins interspersed with poor runs. Did well at Perth earlier this summer but looked laboured next twice. Carrying 11-12 off 117 makes this tough enough, but class/jockey are positives.

Solly Attwell (Cian Collins) – p
Winner at Tipperary in May, strong third at Roscommon in August. Pulled up last time but that was forgivable. Improving stayer, shaped like 3m would suit. Not dismissed.

Mr Saxobeat
Has ability but unreliable; plenty of pulled-ups mixed with placed efforts. Needs things to fall right.

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Interesting Outsiders

The Dabbler (12yo) – capable of a big run when things click, mark down to 102. Galway may suit, but consistency always a concern.
Spellacy’s Cross (6yo) – form figures peppered with seconds, yet to win but hitting the frame consistently. Unexposed at trip, could outrun odds.
Tell Nobody Nothin (Noel Meade) – P – only 5, lightly raced, chasing pedigree. Inconsistent but not exposed; one to watch for market support.

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Runner Scores (Suitability out of 10)

• Arctic Gale – 9/10 (progressive, trainer angle, trip will suit)
• Whateys Quest – 8/10 (well-handicapped, on the upgrade)
• Cheerful Chap – 8/10 (consistent, place chances strong)
• Cloughroe – 7/10 (local runner, improving, solid claims)
• Sea Aster – 6/10 (capable but risky, weight a worry)
• Solly Attwell – 6/10 (scope but needs to bounce back)
• Mr Saxobeat – 5/10 (dangerous if on going day, but unreliable)
• The Dabbler – 5/10 (veteran, might nick place if back to best)
• Spellacy’s Cross – 5/10 (place chance, but still a maiden)
• Tell Nobody Nothin – 5/10 (potential improver, inconsistent so far)
• Pebble Bleu – 4/10 (front-runner, but stamina questions)
• Cavalry Master – 4/10 (well handicapped on old form, but age against him)
• Broomfield Present – 3/10 (ability once, but regressed)
• Shantou Show – 3/10 (hunter chaser type, looks exposed now)
• Futurum Regem – 2/10 (regression, hard to fancy)

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Each-Way Angles

With 15 runners, 4 places likely:

• Cheerful Chap – consistent placer, still improving, big each-way player.
• Cloughroe – improving local runner, should stay, another EW angle.
• Spellacy’s Cross – if strong pace collapses, could stay on for place.

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Private Tissue Odds (my view)

• Arctic Gale 3/1
• Whateys Quest 9/2
• Cheerful Chap 6/1
• Cloughroe 7/1
• Sea Aster 10/1
• Solly Attwell 10/1
• Mr Saxobeat 14/1
• Spellacy’s Cross 16/1
• The Dabbler 20/1
• Tell Nobody Nothin 20/1
• Cavalry Master 25/1
• Pebble Bleu 25/1
• Shantou Show 33/1
• Broomfield Present 40/1
• Futurum Regem 66/1

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Summary + Smart Play (Pro Punter View)

A competitive staying chase but several look exposed. The two with most scope to improve are Arctic Gale, who has a touch of class and a strong trainer angle, and Whateys Quest, who is quietly progressive for a shrewd yard. Cheerful Chap and Cloughroe look strong each-way players at likely double-figure odds.

Smart Play generated by ChatGPT:

• Win bet: Arctic Gale – progressive chaser on the up, Mullins angle, should relish trip.
• Each-way saver: Cheerful Chap – ultra-consistent, form stacking up, ready to win one.