A heavy week in the place. Even without the usual faffery that goes with a trip to Galway, it’s a full-on experience.
Punting the afternoon cards in Goodwood then over to the evening action in Ballybrit takes a physical and emotional toll on a man. Thankfully, at the time of writing, I am in front for the week. Hopefully, I can find a winner or two on Sunday.
I’ve had a look at the Cork card and now my brain hurts. So I will concentrate on the flat action in Galway. There may be the odd shower over the weekend and my hunch is we’re looking at yielding ground.
Read: Paul Jacobs has a cracking Lucky 15 for Sunday’s Racing
14:45 Galway – Sin E Shekells
SIN E SHEKELLS heads the weights for the opening handicap and this horse had an unusual time in four maiden runs. He ran over a wide range of trips, with his best effort coming over 5 furlongs in Navan.
He started his handicapping career over a mile in Leopardstown recently. That looked a decent race for the grade and plenty of the prominent finishers had recent winning form to their name. The winner disappointed slightly next time up but Take My Hand, who reopposes here, has run well since.
Sin E Shekells still looked a bit green in Leopardstown, so refitting cheekpieces looks a good move. He wore them on his penultimate start in Sligo, but didn’t seem to handle the track.
This slightly longer trip should help too, and he’s got 4lbs for that Leopardstown run. Not ideal, but I reckon he has the scope to overcome it.
Read: Jason Kiely is eyeing up this 8/1 shot in Deauville on Sunday
15:50 Galway – The Mpex Kid
This 7-furlong handicap at sees a number of horses having their second start of the week. Eastern Racer and Mulzamm attempt to double up, but neither makes great appeal under a penalty. Darkened is probably well handicapped, but the drop in trip is a concern.
THE MPEX KID may prove the best option and he went off a well backed favourite on Monday. He slightly missed the break and never really looked happy afterwards. He also suffered some minor interference in the race.
He’s usually sharp at the gates and I’d be hopeful of a less complicated trip on Sunday. I’m a believer in the right horse, wrong day principle. Hopefully The Mpex Kid can bear that theory out.
16:20 Galway – Laughifuwant
LAUGHIFUWANT tries to follow up last year’s win in the Ahonoora Handicap in this one and he’s 12lbs higher in the weights this time around.
It will also be his first start of the season, but that’s not a big worry. I imagine he has been targeted at this race, and he has a fine record fresh. He has a wide draw to overcome, but doesn’t face much obvious competition for the lead, although Spanish Tenor is a possible rival.
Laughifuwant posted solid efforts in stakes company after winning this last year. He’s not fully exposed and is worth chancing at what should be a decent price.
Read: Timeform’s full card of tips for Newcastle on Sunday
17:20 Galway – Rebellito
This conditions race is interesting and there’s no obvious front runner in this six-runner race. That won’t suit Bigbadandbeautiful, who’s inclined to run a bit free.
Buildmeupbuttercup should run well, but will never be mistaken for a warrior of the turf. Camphor is probably the safest play, however I’m inclined to take a punt on this REBELLITO. His last run on the flat was a decisive victory in France.
The third that day subsequently ran second to Cracksman in the Prix Ganay and I imagine Rebellito cost Rich Ricci a pretty penny.
He has looked useless since joining Willie Mullins, with breathing problems were reported after his last two runs. He runs in a tongue tie on Sunday and it’s quite possible he has had wind surgery too.
He made the running when winning that race in France and it’s likely he will be allowed to bowl along in front on Sunday. He could be a dangerous horse to hand an easy lead to and he will be a big price. In a race that looks ripe for an upset, he looks worthy of support.
* Prices on our snazzy new bet widget are bang up to date.
Brendan Duke tips summary:
14:45 Galway – Sin E Shekells
15:50 Galway – The Mpex Kid
16:20 Galway – Laughifuwant
17:20 Galway – Rebellito
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Read: Timeform have their selections in for Cork on Sunday. Don’t miss ‘em!
- Read: Timeform’s 3 to be on for Sandown on Sunday
- Grab racing previews from the UK, Ireland and the rest of the globe here
- Placing bets is easier than ever with Paddy Power News’ live odds banners