UK Horse Racing Tips: Galway

HIPOP DE LOIRE is difficult to oppose. Second on his sole previous effort over flights, the Willie Mullins-trained eight-year-old is the current favourite for the Ebor at York next month. A never-nearer fourth on his return to action in a Listed contest at Roscommon, it'll be interesting to see how he copes with this step up in trip. Son Of Anarchy is an obvious danger. The 118-rated six-year-old was a runner-up when last seen at Punchestown and it'll come as no surprise if he manages to go a place better now. A good winner of a bumper at Wexford, Soldiers World is an interesting contender on hurdling bow.
Prediction : 1st Hipop De Loire 2nd Son Of Anarchy 3rd Soldiers World

ARCTIC GALE should give a good account of himself in this competitive affair. While yet to win over flights, he registered a first chase success on his most recent outing at Tipperary. With a tongue-strap now deployed, it'll be disappointing if he's not involved towards the business end. Another six runners were successful when last seen, with both Affinity Rock and Nitty Gritty striking at Killarney. The pair start off now in handicap company and it'll come as no surprise if either manage to prevail. Two from two at Ballybrit, El Champo could make an impact at a big price, while others for the shortlist are Spinning Web, Ahead Of The Posse and the returning Dream In The Park.
Prediction : 1st Arctic Gale 2nd Nitty Gritty 3rd El Champo

A notoriously competitive affair, with the last winning favourite coming way back in 2013. The subject of much controversy when unseating at Wexford in May, it'll be fascinating to see how REDWOOD QUEEN fares on her first start for Cian Collins. The up and coming Co Meath based handler has acquired the services of leading amateur Rob James, who claims an invaluable 7lb. Second, fifth and ninth in last year's renewal, Miss Fourie (first time cheekpieces), Jolie Jewel and Enfranchise all warrant respect. Now in the care of Willie McCreery, the latter was sent off favourite 12 months ago and returns to flights for the first time since.
Prediction : 1st Redwood Queen 2nd Enfranchise 3rd Miss Fourie

Starting off in handicap company, DOWN MEMORY LANE could prove a class above his rivals. This race has probably been the target for quite some time, with the step up in trip likely to play to his strengths. The selection is one of seven Gordon Elliott-trained representatives in the line-up, with his Three Card Brag another leading hope. The winner of the Galway Hurdle 12 months ago, it's easy to see why Nurburgring is the current market leader. The versatile five-year-old recently made the breakthrough over fences at Killarney and it'll come as no surprise if he manages to follow-up now. With Derek O'Connor an interesting jockey booking, Anyway warrants the utmost respect, while a case can be made for many others, including Mayo National winner Western Fold, Midlands National hero Amirite and the Emmet Mullins-trained Sea Music.
Prediction : 1st Down Memory Lane 2nd Nurburgring 3rd Anyway

MONT ST MICHEL has a dreadful draw in 21 but has strong form. It isn't ideal that he was used as a pace-maker for outstanding stablemate Kyprios in May but nonetheless wasn't beaten far in that Saval Beg Stakes and again ran well behind a capable winner at Killarney. He stays well and seems ground-versatile. Waterford Flow is vulnerable to capable types but possesses useful recent form, encounters ideal conditions and is dependable. Edelak is now tried in a first-time tongue-tie and blinkers and may bounce back from his latest effort.
Prediction : 1st Mont St Michel 2nd Waterford Flow 3rd Edelak

SUJET readily won a competitive premier handicap on Derby Weekend and might follow up, despite being 9lb higher. By Frankel and from a good family, he returned having been gelded after a 253-day layoff in June and scored in the manner of a progressive and capable type. Iron Fist finished six lengths behind the selection and while he met trouble in-running and raced quite keenly at the Curragh, scored subsequently at Killarney and should get involved. Far From Dandy has met some trouble in-running on his last two starts and he is closely matched with the consistent Ja'marr on their Leopardstown clash in June.
Prediction : 1st Sujet 2nd Iron Fist 3rd Far From Dandy

FEUD is drawn wide in 16 but scored at last year's festival and ran encouragingly on his most recent run. A dual hurdle-winner last summer, he returned following 339 days off in early-July and while well enough held at Killarney, he nonetheless finished well from off the pace and will be better suited by today's drier ground. Another of last year's winners Shoda shaped reasonably well at Ballinrobe recently, while stablemate Light Up The Dark is something of a dark horse, having won two bumpers before landing a recent maiden but tries this longer Flat distance for the first time, on handicap debut.
Prediction : 1st Feud 2nd Shoda 3rd Light Up The Dark