UK Horse Racing Tips: Galway

ILIKEDWAYURTHINKIN only has a 5lb penalty having run riot here on Wednesday and, with the handicapper likely to give him a significant rise for that success, connections opt to turn him out quickly. The manner of that victory suggested he had plenty in hand and, despite the drop back from 2m5f, he is capable of winning his second race at the meeting. Charle Brune benefited from the drop to 2m when scoring twice in two days in May and he is respected despite a further 15lb hike in the ratings. Dalton Highway, Broder and Shannon Hill complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Ilikedwayurthinkin 2nd Charle Brune 3rd Dalton Highway

SPRING WATCH enjoyed a decent spell last summer, winning two handicaps at Punchestown and Roscommon, and on his return from a 390-day absence, he is taken to make it three on the bounce. Goodnightngodbless arrives in excellent form and is entitled to be in the mix, while Poker D'Ainay and Brogine are both last-time-out winners who are likely to be competitive again.
Prediction : 1st Spring Watch 2nd Goodnightngodbless 3rd Poker DAinay

MENSEN ERNST is a first runner at Galway for Richard Hannon and his most recent performance, when second at Brighton, was given a significant boost when the winner scored in a competitive nursery at Goodwood on Thursday. The son of Intello has a wide draw to overcome, but the stiff finish will play to his strengths and he could get the better of Potala Palace, who has struck the crossbar on his last couple of outings, and Raven's Cry.
Prediction : 1st Mensen Ernst 2nd Potala Palace 3rd Ravens Cry

SALTONSTALL returned to winning ways in the Mile Handicap here on Tuesday and he has to be given the utmost respect, despite having to carry a 7lb penalty for that success. Marshall Jennings was not disgraced, finishing fifth, in that contest and he could go well again, while Certain Lad and Magnetic North are others who merit respect in a competitive event. 

Prediction: 1st Saltonstall, 2nd Marshall Jennings, 3rd Certain Lad

YORKHILL parted with his rider when the saddle slipped in the Plate here on Wednesday and there is every chance that the talented nine-year-old will provide his connections with some valuable compensation this afternoon. These conditions should suit Theinval and it would be no surprise to see him go very well, while A Toi Phil and Some Neck are others who merit consideration. 

Prediction: 1st Yorkhill, 2nd Theinval, 3rd Some Neck

Davy Russell catches the eye aboard LAKE TAKAPUNA, who is tried in cheekpieces reverting to fences following a confidence-boosting win over hurdles in May. Rocky Court is just 1lb higher than when second to Draycott Place at Ballinrobe and could reverse form with that rival, while Henry De Bromhead won this race last year and saddles two this time around, with Or Jaune De Somoza, who boasts some decent chase form, the pick of his duo. 

Prediction: 1st Lake Takapuna, 2nd Or Jaune De Somoza, 3rd Rocky Court

LINGER was an impressive winner over timber here earlier this week and he looks to build on some encouraging Flat performances to land a Festival double for Joseph O'Brien. His father, Aidan, will be hoping to spoil the party with Macquarie, who made the podium for the second successive time at the Curragh latest and could have more to come now handicapping. Upgraded beat Eight And Bob here on Wednesday and they both look set to figure as they renew their rivalry.

Prediction: 1st Linger, 2nd Macquarie, 3rd Upgraded

Willie Mullins has won the last couple of runnings of this contest and looks to add further success with BLAZING EMILY, who made a winning start to life with the Closutton handler at Ballinrobe in May, form which was boosted when the second went close here earlier this week. Cabin Hill got off the mark at the first attempt at Wexford and is respected, while Meticulous was last seen in the Champion Bumper and had placed in a Grade 2 event at Leopardstown before that. 

Prediction: 1st Blazing Emily, 2nd Meticulous, 3rd Cabin Hill