Monday Racing Tips from Steve Ryder

The Billy Lanigan trained BIG ISLAND (best priced at 13/2) won this race in 2021 off a mark of 75 on heavy ground and he should hold strong claims again this year off a 1lb lower mark. The six-year-old has been seen more over hurdles than on the flat so far this year but he did finish 3rd only beaten 1½ lengths at Limerick on soft ground in April off a mark of 80.

Big Island ran with credit to finish 3rd at Gowran Park a fortnight ago over a trip too far and he should relish these conditions with four places widely available. 

Dont Do Dramas is respected following his win last time but a chance is taken on the Eddie & Patrick Harty trained APOLLO PRINCE (best priced at 7/1) on his nursery/handicap debut. The son of Kodiac outran odds of 10/1 to finish 2nd in a maiden here on his debut in August before disappointing at both Tipperary and Naas on his next two starts.

Apollo Prince has been given an opening mark of 69 for this race which seems fair and connections have decided to run him back at Galway for this handicap debut. He steps back up in trip to 7f which will suit and is also fitted with first time blinkers. Chris Hayes retains the ride and an improved effort is expected with four places available.

This looks a competitive novice race but it would be disappointing if COMPLETED (best priced at 6/4) couldn’t get off the mark at the second attempt given the promise she showed on his debut. The Karl Burke trained filly was sent off a relatively unfancied 10/1 shot for her debut at Southwell but finished 2nd by ¾ length despite being slowly away.

Completed stayed on in eyecatching style to close towards the finish behind a more experienced rival and she should have learnt a lot from that debut outing 20 days ago. Clifford Lee takes over on board and she is expected to go one better in this race.