UK Horse Racing Tips: Galway

HIPOP DE LOIRE was a Listed winner on the Flat in his native France and is a very interesting recruit for Willie Mullins. The American Post gelding could be a smart hurdler if transferring his ability to jumps. Mullins has a strong hand with another smart Flat recruit in Jackfinbar. The 101-rated performer makes his first start since running in the Cesarewitch last October. Apple's Of Bresil comes here in winning form having taken a Sligo bumper last month. He didn't look at home around the track there and did well to win in the circumstances. He has hurdling experience having been a distant third to Ballyburn at Leopardstown last Christmas.
Prediction : 1st Hipop De Loire 2nd Jackfinbar 3rd Apples Of Bresil

SO SCOTTISH has been knocking on the door in some competitive contests over shorter and going up in trip could make a difference to the former point-to-point winner. The Martaline gelding stayed on when fifth to Petrol Head at Bellewstown last time and it looks significant that he takes a big jump up in distance. The unexposed Billericay Dickie could potentially be well treated. Willie Mullins' charge was below par when last seen at Punchestown, but had shown a fair level of ability when taking his maiden hurdle at the same track back in January. Happy Jacky has been in fine form since joining Mark Fahey and is another to consider in an open contest.
Prediction : 1st So Scottish 2nd Billericay Dickie 3rd Happy Jacky

PUPPET MASTER looks the one to beat after a promising run to finish second on his debut at Killarney last month. The Camelot colt kept on nicely when chasing home Apples And Bananas and, with that under his belt, he can collect now. He should again hold Starry Desert, who was behind in fourth last time. There are some interesting newcomers in opposition. Delta looks the pick of the Joseph O'Brien pair with Dylan Browne McMonagle on board. The Kitten's Joy colt is the third foal of St Leger winner Simple Verse and a half-brother to recent Lancashire Oaks winner Queen Of The Pride.
Prediction : 1st Puppet Master 2nd Delta 3rd Starry Desert

NEWTOWN DUKE ran a nice race on his debut at Limerick last month and can go one better. The Lope De Vega colt chased home Flight Of Fancy and the winner has franked the form since by finishing placed in Listed company. Thequietman was also second on his debut, but that came back in April. He chased home a smart sort in Ecureuil Secret, who has been placed in Group 3 company twice since. The 77-rated Vadali has some solid placed form, but may be vulnerable to an improver.
Prediction : 1st Newtown Duke 2nd Thequietman 3rd Vadali

ELZEM is progressing with each run and had King Thistle three lengths back in third, with She's Ideal close back in fourth, when taking a Listowel maiden in good style. The selection likes to be up with the pace and was narrowly denied subsequently at Naas. King Thistle and She's Ideal can't be lightly discounted on these revised terms, while others to consider include Roscommon winner Lady O and Eric Lock. Churchill Gale has shown some promise in three outings at Leopardstown, while Boutella is another with scope for improvement.
Prediction : 1st Elzem 2nd King Thistle 3rd Churchill Gale

IMPOSING SUPREME has a fine record at this venue, winning three times at the Festival, including this race in 2021. The Tom Gibney-trained grey had a pleasing return when runner-up at Bellewstown last month and ran well from a wide draw when third to Reidh over C&D on Tuesday evening. Clear Quartz had a number of these rivals behind when recording a second course win over an extended mile on Tuesday, while Dragon Of Malta and Shawaamekh filled the first two places in this event 12 months ago and won't be inconvenienced by any rain. Louiescall is another making a quick reappearance after a fine effort earlier this week, while Stormie Outlook and Ramiro are others to consider in a very competitive handicap.
Prediction : 1st Imposing Supreme 2nd Clear Quartz 3rd Ramiro

The progressive SIXPACK failed in his bid for a hat-trick when runner-up at Fairyhouse, but wasn't beaten far and another bold bid is anticipated returning to this shorter trip in first-time blinkers. Alpha Capture scored over a mile at Killarney on his penultimate start and has a shout if staying this far having been beaten over 7f here earlier in the week, while Napper Tandy could go well returning to the Flat having finished third over these hurdles four days ago. Complete Fiction is another to note.
Prediction : 1st Sixpack 2nd Alpha Capture 3rd Napper Tandy

CAMELETTA VEGA makes plenty of appeal on pedigree being by Camelot out of the star mare Quevega, who has already produced Grade 1 winner Facile Vega for the same connections. It will be interesting to see how strong she is in the market. Dancing Dame was placed on both bumper outings last year, including behind Luckinthecity at the Listowel Festival, and may prove more of a threat than Arctic Piper, who has also indicated a mares' bumper should be within her compass. Ballintemple Lady had Is She Now over 12 lengths behind when making her debut at Roscommon last month, while the form of The Diddler's third to Donnie Devito in a Punchestown maiden hurdle was boosted here this week.
Prediction : 1st Cameletta Vega 2nd Dancing Dame 3rd Arctic Piper