UK Horse Racing Tips: Galway

TOUNSIVATOR didn't quite go on as perhaps expected following his maiden hurdle success at Naas in February when racing far too keenly in a Grade 2 at Fairyhouse. His subsequent effort over timber at Punchestown wasn't without promise and a big-field scenario on handicap debut may be what the five-year-old requires to improve. Lord Erskine won at the Dublin Racing Festival, and his fourth in the amateur riders' handicap on the Flat earlier this week was a fine effort in the circumstances. Pigeon House is another with solid credentials, especially with Nico de Boinville reunited with the four-year-old after they teamed up to win at the Punchestown Festival.
Prediction : 1st Tounsivator 2nd Lord Erskine 3rd Pigeon House

DANDY MAGIC has an important experience edge over many of her rivals and has performed well in two maidens to date. She ran well on her Naas debut and having stepped up in distance to 6f at Navan subsequently, finished her race really well, with this extra furlong likely to help. The form looks reasonably useful, with the fifth-placed filly finishing second subsequently. Heishybrid is tried in first-time cheekpieces and probably needs a mile but can be relied upon to run another solid race, while Great Mover had a poor draw at Leopardstown but has shown ability. Nobler is a half-brother to three black-type performers, and A Call Too Soon is out of a Listed winner.
Prediction : 1st Dandy Magic 2nd Heishybrid 3rd Great Mover

MOONOVERCLOON has raced just four times over fences and fell recently, but should compete on his handicap chase debut. He has twice finished fourth at this meeting, finished third in a big-field Punchestown hurdle in April, and has since shown good chase form. His Kilbeggan June third reads well as the runner-up won on Monday and is ideally suited by conditions. Whacker Clan made a mistake and was pulled up in April's Scottish National, but had previously run well at Cheltenham when beaten a long way by the high-class, well-in winner. He is suited by conditions and, prior to Cheltenham, had won both previous chase starts. The veteran Cap Du Nord has been in excellent form in lesser races and should compete.
Prediction : 1st Moonovercloon 2nd Whacker Clan 3rd Cap Du Nord

SIRIUS won Monday's 'Connaught Hotel' in somewhat unusual circumstances and while a quick turnaround isn't ideal, she is officially 5lb well-in and open to more progression. A dual French winner, she returned from 658 days off in June and while held up well off the pace on Monday, looped the field to win easily. Her fixed 7lb penalty might not stop her. Five-time UK winner Eagle's Way debuted over hurdles for new connections in June before winning at Bellewstown. That form has been considerably boosted by the runner-up bolting in and improving his rating to 102 subsequently. Last year's winner Brazil is still just a six-year-old and is sure to benefit from a recent chase run.
Prediction : 1st Sirius 2nd Eagles Way 3rd Brazil

The Dermot Weld-trained SACRED OATH can open her account at the second time of asking. A real eyecatcher when staying on late to take third on her racecourse debut at the Curragh in June, the Lope De Vega filly should be primed for this race. With the Ballydoyle runners carrying all before them in maidens here all week, Andromeda has to be a live threat. Runner-up on all four starts to date, the daughter of Galileo has plenty of experience, which should stand to her in this grade. Although somewhat disappointing when beaten at short odds at Bellewstown last time, the Aidan O'Brien-trained filly deserves another chance. Riviera Queen struggled when upped to Group 3 class last time, but should appreciate dropping back to these calmer waters.
Prediction : 1st Sacred Oath 2nd Andromeda 3rd Riviera Queen

Recent Killarney third POSITIVE ENERGY can strike for trainer Willie McCreery. Having just his second start in handicap company, the Make Believe gelding was held up towards the rear before staying on late to take minor honours. With the benefit of that experience, he should be more streetwise now, while the stiffer test should also play to his strengths. Sirene Success lacks a run in handicaps, but could prove to be well treated if inexperience doesn't count against her. Ken Condon's filly kept on nicely to finish fifth at Roscommon, and the third franked that form when winning her maiden subsequently. Tipperary winner Killeaney Bear is more exposed than most, but his experience can prove an advantage around a track like this.
Prediction : 1st Positive Energy 2nd Sirene Success 3rd Killeaney Bear

In a week where the British raiders have been among the winners, ENEMY can plunder another prize for the visitors. Although no match for the principals in the Ascot Gold Cup last time, the Ian Williams-trained gelding had earlier run a huge race when just touched off in a big handicap in Riyadh. His wily trainer looks to have spotted a nice opportunity to get back on the winning trail. Royal Ascot second Run For Oscar holds a leading chance at these weights. The Charles Byrnes-trained nine-year-old has yet to add to his impressive Cesarewitch victory from 2022, but continues to run with credit. Dawn Rising has a bit to find with him on Ascot form, but is a thorough stayer who should appreciate this test.
Prediction : 1st Enemy 2nd Run For Oscar 3rd Dawn Rising

Although her career record of just one success from 20 runs doesn't inspire confidence, RAIN has been threatening to win a race such as this for some time. Unlucky in running when third at Navan last October, the James Barcoe-trained mare has run consistently in three starts since her reappearance in April. Often the victim of a poor draw, the five-year-old finds herself just three off the rail here. Third in the corresponding race last year, Luminous Light is likely to have been aimed at a repeat bid. He can get involved at the business end, while Mr Percy and Toll Stone command attention as well.
Prediction : 1st Rain 2nd Luminous Light 3rd Mr Percy