UK Horse Racing Tips: Galway

Al Boum Photo's half-sister AL ARRIVEE should run well over this staying distance on her jumps debut. Runner-up behind the smart Murat at last year's Festival, she is a dual bumper winner and although her lack of prior hurdling experience is a concern, she will be well schooled and is in top form. Stablemate Mr Hollywood finished second in the 2023 German Derby and contested that year's Arc. Although well enough held on his debut for current connections in May, he finished third in Royal Ascot's Queen Alexandra Stakes last month and will be suited by this distance. Dual Flat winner Shoda has been a little underwhelming over jumps.
Prediction : 1st Al Arrivee 2nd Mr Hollywood 3rd Shoda

Following LUCY WANG requires a leap of faith, but she has shown glimpses of ability and debuts for new connections. Ex-French, the selection's best performance saw her finish second to the smart Intellotto at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting back in 2023 and, last season, she returned to some form in point-to-points and landed the locally-prestigious Ballynoe Gain Mares Final. She stays well and should compete from her mark of 104. Stablemate Harbour Highway disappointed over fences at Wexford last month, while Hees Dynamite ran well at Killarney recently. Last Friday's chase winner Golden Temple and maiden victor Imarajan are in good form, but Mighty Berkshire was only fourth when favourite at Kilbeggan in May.
Prediction : 1st Lucy Wang 2nd Harbour Highway 3rd Hees Dynamite

SAMBA TRAIN scored over a longer distance in May, but had previously shown nice ability at this sort of trip and should compete from her rating. A dual bumper winner, she finished fourth at Listed level at Thurles in December and having won at Killarney subsequently, should continue to progress with today's rider claiming 7lb. She's A Fine Wine concedes weight but is in top form, while fellow last-start winners Splashing Out and Small Bucks hold obvious chances, despite receiving recent hikes in the weights. Ardeen Joy won a maiden hurdle earlier this month, while the keen-going Venusienne finished a long way behind Carmel's Phoenix at Kilbeggan and needs to show more.
Prediction : 1st Samba Train 2nd Shes A Fine Wine 3rd Splashing Out

A lightly-raced gelding for his age, SPREAD BOSS TED can land a typically competitive renewal. Off the mark over fences at Naas in March, the Willie Mullins-trained nine-year-old ran well on his handicap debut when third in a Listed contest at Punchestown when last seen. Sure to have been put aside for this valuable prize, the son of Yorgunnabelucky has previous course form having finished third in a bumper here. Nowwhatdoyouthink has to be of interest on his first start for trainer Gordon Elliott. Winner of a Grade 3 chase at Cork in April, he could be well handicapped. Gorgeous Tom also has strong claims with Paddy O'Brien taking 5lb off his back.
Prediction : 1st Spread Boss Ted 2nd Nowwhatdoyouthink 3rd Gorgeous Tom

Despite the obvious concern of a wide draw, ABBOTSFORD could prove a bit better than this grade. Staying on strongly when just denied at Cork last time, the son of Frankel should appreciate stepping up in trip. Provided he can get a prominent early position, he should go close. Dual bumper winner Sunny South West shouldn't be far away. Runner-up on his Flat debut at Killarney last time, the Eddie Power-trained gelding has bright prospects. UK raider New Bay Star is an intriguing runner from the Mick Appleby yard.
Prediction : 1st Abbotsford 2nd Sunny South West 3rd New Bay Star

An improving filly who has won her last two starts, the Joseph O'Brien-trained KIRKLAND SIOUX can complete the hat-trick. Making all the running to score at the Curragh last time, similar tactics could prove equally fruitful from a favourable draw. Despite being 11lb higher, the daughter of Sioux Nation drops in grade and takes on her own age group. Reese Holohan is a positive jockey booking on Amenita. A maiden winner at Gowran last time, the Dermot Weld-trained filly could have more to offer. Also chasing a hat-trick, the Ado McGuinness-trained Johnny Soda is another capable of making a big impact. A progressive gelding, the penny seems to have really dropped in recent starts.
Prediction : 1st Kirkland Sioux 2nd Amenita 3rd Johnny Soda

Third in a stronger race at the Curragh on Derby weekend, COCK AND BULL can go two places better. Although raised 3lb for that promising effort, the Emmet Mullins-trained five-year-old can run off 2lb lower in this contest once taking his jockey's claim into account. In a tight-knit handicap, he has to concede very little weight and looks the one to beat. Winner of her last two starts on the Flat, the Ted Walsh-trained Gaoth Chuil rates the main danger. A strong stayer who is in excellent form at present, she looks a mare to keep on side. Course winner Slurricane is also worthy of consideration for a stable that tends to target this meeting.
Prediction : 1st Cock And Bull 2nd Gaoth Chuil 3rd Slurricane