Buckle up. The annual bacchanal that is the Galway Races is upon us. It's a testing week for man and beast. Hopefully we can ease our way into proceedings with a profitable first day.
5.20 pm: Galwaybayhotel.com Novice Hurdle
Morosini did well to overcome some indifferent jumping on the way to winning in Ballinrobe last time. He's probably just getting the hang of things. He should relish the punishing climb to the line, and rates the best bet on the card. Willie Mullins has enjoyed a virtual monopoly on this race in recent years. His charge, Authorized Art, is feared most.
Selection: Morosini 5/2
5.55 pm Easyfix Handicap Hurdle
Volatile Lady brings some solid novice hurdle form to the party. Her four-year-old allowance should help in this company. Her recent Tipperary fourth was a below par effort. The bookmakers may have overreacted though. Linger has improved on the flat since joining Joseph O'Brien. It wouldn't surprise if he proved dangerously well handicapped.
Selection: Volatile Lady 20/1
6.25 pm Claregalwayhotel.ie Maiden
Inissfree went into countless notebooks following his debut second. He's very hard to oppose. Shekhem fits the profile for winners of this race. He's trained by Dermot Weld, and should have learned plenty on debut at the Curragh.
Selection: Innisfree 8/15
7.05 pm Claregalwayhotel.ie Handicap
Engles Rock makes plenty of appeal. She's a progressive, in form mare. She can also draw on course form. Her best run last season came here. Silver Service showed signs of life in Naas last time up. The handicapper, and a favourable draw, gives her a squeak.
Selection: Engles Rock 15/2
7.40 pm Connaught Hotel (Q.R) Handicap
Mr Everest can take the evening's feature. He's still pretty unexposed. The form of last season's back-end Naas win is strong. His draw is a concern but he will get plenty of assistance from the saddle. Legal Spin looks sure to run well, and can chase the selection home.
'A Rag Week for adults' Just one way of summing up the Galway Races - now in its 150th year @Galway_Races @RTE2 #rteracing pic.twitter.com/41a46XT38S
— RTÉ Racing (@RTEracing) July 28, 2019
Selection: Mr Everest 8/1
8.10 pm Eventus Handicap
Red Gerry ran poorly last time out. It's interesting that connections opt for a tongue tie tomorrow. Perhaps a physical issue came to light. If he can return to the form of his second at Navan, when shaping like a step up in trip would suit, he appeals as well handicapped. Switch Around, on handicap debut, up in trip, and sporting first time headgear, is a likely improver.
Selection: Red Gerry 12/1
8.40 pm: Monami Construction INH Flat Race
The well bred Risk Factor can take advantage of his four-year-old allowance. Russian Diamond appears to be held in some regard. He's not easily passed over.
Selection: Risk Factor 11/8
Watch live coverage of the Galway Races on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player from 5pm.
