UK Horse Racing Tips: Galway

The impeccably bred DAVY CROCKETT can make a winning debut over hurdles. A facile scorer on his introduction in a bumper at Punchestown last month, the Willie Mullins-trained gelding looks an exciting prospect. Almost certainly destined for greater things in time, the once-raced gelding can make it two from two. Former smart Flat handicapper Ephesus looks his biggest danger. Rated 89 on the level, the Denis Hogan-trained gelding was deemed good enough to contest a Grade 1 race last time. Although out of contention when unseating late on, he will find this easier. Mick Collins is also capable of making his presence felt for Noel Meade.
Prediction : 1st Davy Crockett 2nd Ephesus 3rd Mick Collins

Lightly raced four-year-old RAKKI catches the eye on stable debut for Willie Mullins. Although yet to get his head in front, the Sea The Stars gelding could prove to be well treated relative to his mark on the Flat. While his lack of handicap experience is an obvious worry in a field of this size, he might be worth taking a chance on. Runner-up in the corresponding race last year, Clonbury Bridge is sure to have been laid out for a repeat bid. A winner over fences at Fairyhouse in January, the nine-year-old is able to compete from a 7lb lower mark back over hurdles. Wajaaha is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Rakki 2nd Clonbury Bridge 3rd Wajaaha

With the benefit of previous experience and a favourable low draw, it is difficult to look past CONSTITUTION RIVER. The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt looks a winner without a penalty, having only lost out by a short-head on his racecourse debut at Newmarket earlier this month. Granted normal improvement, the son of Wootton Bassett should prove very hard to beat. Given the record of Dermot Weld in this race over the years, his newcomer Masaban deserves maximum respect. A half-brother to a black-type filly, the son of Siyouni will have had this as a target for some time. Spangled Sands could also be involved for his in-form stable.
Prediction : 1st Constitution River 2nd Masaban 3rd Spangled Sands

A winner at the corresponding meeting last year, the Emmet Mullins-trained TOLL STONE looks to have been laid out for this race. The five-year-old finished a creditable fifth in a fiercely competitive handicap hurdle at Bellewstown earlier this month. Connections have resisted the temptation to run him since and the booking of John Gleeson is noteworthy. Runner-up at the Curragh on his return to the level recently, the Willie Mullins-trained Too Bossy For Us is sure to be a major contender. Graded bumper and hurdle winner Familiar Dreams and the Joseph O'Brien-trained Comfort Zone are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Toll Stone 2nd Too Bossy For Us 3rd Familiar Dreams

AVIATRICE shaped well on her seasonal return at Limerick before finding trouble in running at Leopardstown next time. David Marnane's filly has few miles on the clock and still looks feasibly handicapped, while the plumb draw in stall one will do her chances no harm either. Gowran scorer Highbury See See is also berthed well and does not look overburdened by a subsequent 9lb rise, especially with Sam Coen removing a handy 7lb in the plate. Oiche Rua should not be overlooked either.
Prediction : 1st Aviatrice 2nd Highbury See See 3rd Oiche Rua

DESMOND CASTLE has been a work in progress for some time and can now make the breakthrough. He ducked sharply left and unseated rider coming out of stalls last September and, while he has been finding his feet since, he was hampered at Limerick earlier this month before finishing his race in eye-catching fashion. Connections are likely to have had this race in mind and he remains unexposed over this distance. His trainer has a very strong hand with Bear Creek, although he is 10lb higher than when scoring at Down Royal. Starford is also noted.
Prediction : 1st Desmond Castle 2nd Bear Creek 3rd Starford

Newcomers are likely to play a big part here with FAITH OF EMPIRES the pick, as connections very much target this festival. Purchased for 38,000 euros as a three-year-old, his dam is related to Flat winners and any market confidence would only enhance his claims. Maskarvel has proven form and nice ability having contested a useful Killarney bumper. I'm A Rocket Man is closely matched with Maskarvel on Punchestown form, while debutant Gomez Addams is also of interest.
Prediction : 1st Faith Of Empires 2nd Maskarvel 3rd Gomez Addams