Ruby Walsh: Here’s what I’m thinking for Saturday at the Galway Races

Even with a tough few days of racing tiring him out, Ruby's found some time to share his thoughts on Day 6 of the Races...

16:45 Galway – Handicap Hurdle

It’s been a while since we’ve seen Shanning. She won a novice hurdle at Galway back in October, and we think she’s improved nicely since then.

She lacks a bit of experience, with just two runs over hurdles, but she’s been working well – and a bit better than the handicap mark. That said, Low Sun and Uradel had really good winners on the flat on their last starts, Uradel in Galway on Monday and Low Sun at the Curragh in June. The step up in trip over hurdles will suit them, and they both have good chances here.

Meri Devie is set to shoulder top weight, which will be a big ask for her, but her last run over hurdles was over two-and-a-half miles at Punchestown, where she ran a really good race. Bargy Lady was impressive in Killarney, where she won a competitive handicap hurdle – she’s entitled to take her chance.

Lareena getting in with 9-10 down at the bottom is very interesting. She’s a small filly who will really appreciate the weight and the trip.

But I can only ride one, and hopefully with Shanning I’ve picked a bit better than I did in the Galway Hurdle. The mark of 126 is fair enough, although she may be working a bit better than that.

Head over to paddypower.com for the latest odds from Galway

17:20 Galway

Suinda stayed really well to win at Clonmel in May, and Galway will suit her. She has schooled well at home. I think it’s Aubrey McMahon’s first ride over hurdles, but he has done a lot of jumping at home so that should be no problem to him. The horse is in good order but it’s a competitive renewal.

Mr Everest for Tony Martin is interesting and will have a chance. Advantage Point won a bumper at Punchestown for Eddie Harty, and I thought he won well there. Eddie’s horses are usually very well schooled, and his bumper form may be a bit superior to Suinda’s.

Advantage Point could be the one they all have to beat.

17:55 Galway

Miss Chevious Girl goes well and has been in training a long time. She’s in really good order. Our bumper horses have probably been our weakest link so far, so hopefully if Miss Chevious Girl does the business she’ll reverse that trend and collect.

* You can check out all Ruby’s bets and specials for Saturday at Galway here.

Ruby’s Specials for the Galway Races can be found over at paddypower.com