UK Horse Racing Tips: Galway

CHART TOPPER should be all the wiser for his fifth-placed chase bow over an inadequate 2m2f here 19 days ago. The Walk In The Park gelding will relish this greater emphasis on stamina and should have the beating of these rivals judged on his hurdle mark. Although Will Do is winless in 17 attempts over fences, a repeat of his latest third at Listowel may see him serving the most resistance to the selection, ahead of Da Capo Glory.
Prediction : 1st Chart Topper 2nd Will Do 3rd Da Capo Glory

Having ended her novice chase campaign with two victories from her final three outings, Crecora Hills must rank highly on the shortlist. The seven-year-old should have more to come as a second-season chaser and isn't taken lightly with Harry Cobden in the plate, but race-fit Sligo winner ONLY FOR OUR MAN edges the vote. Paul Nolan's inmate is entitled to build on that chase bow and might be able to defy an 11lb hike from the assessor. Folly Master could also feature now back over a more suitable distance.
Prediction : 1st Only For Our Man 2nd Crecora Hills 3rd Folly Master

Harry Cobden rides the Robert Tyner-trained Harty Cup who races in the McManus colours, and with the five-year-old having his first start since finishing third at Wexford off this mark in March. He won by six lengths at Clonmel in February and looks all set for a good season, but preference lies with POTTERS PAL, a winner over fences at Listowel last month. He won over the smaller obstacles in March when they first added a hood and looks to have every chance. Springboard also won last time out when successful here over fences. He's hard to ignore off his hurdles rating and could finish third.
Prediction : 1st Potters Pal 2nd Harty Cup 3rd Springboard

Thomas Cooper trained Amen Kate to win this last year but she arrived with plenty of experience, and although Esteio is related to plenty of winners, she is making her debut here. Light Up The Dark won her first two bumpers before switching to the Flat where she has also won twice and she has to be of interest on her hurdling bow, but a chance is taken on HOLLY'S THUNDER. Third over further on her only start after weakening late on, that form looks solid with the winner highly regarded and the second placing on every start, and if she takes to hurdles the two miles here looks ideal.
Prediction : 1st Hollys Thunder 2nd Light Up The Dark 3rd Esteio

INTHENICKOFTIME looks to have hit a purple patch and bids for a hat-trick of course wins with leading claims. Enda Bolger's charge followed last month's narrow victory with a more comfortable success, and an 8lb rise may not be enough to anchor the son of Gleneagles. Perth runner-up Castleheath is edging closer to getting his head back in front, while Shellrunforbriggs landed a double back in the spring including a Kilbeggan chase, and is another to note reverting to the smaller obstacles.
Prediction : 1st Inthenickoftime 2nd Castleheath 3rd Shellrunforbriggs

OLE OLE landed the odds with the minimum of fuss in a maiden hurdle at Bellewstown back in April. Gavin Cromwell's charge was then set a stiff task in a tougher contest at Listowel on his return to the fray and looks worth another chance at this lower level. Minella Hollow will also appreciate this drop in class having finished a respectable third in Grade 3 company at Gowran. He makes more appeal than Direct Approach and Harpy Eagle of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Ole Ole 2nd Minella Hollow 3rd Direct Approach

Runner-up on his last three starts over hurdles, BULGADEN CASTLE can make the breakthrough for trainer Philip Rothwell. Having placed in a point-to-point, the Soldier Of Fortune gelding should benefit from stepping up in trip here on his return to action. In a race where a couple of his main dangers have questions to answer, the five-year-old looks the most solid option. With an official rating of 117, Doctor Elvis sets the standard on what he has achieved over flights to date. However, having been pulled up when last seen at Wexford in July, Gordon Elliott's gelding has something to prove at this stage. Point-to-point winner Rebel Reba has claims if coming on from her recent hurdling debut.
Prediction : 1st Bulgaden Castle 2nd Doctor Elvis 3rd Rebel Reba

Trainer Peter Fahey may be able to land this finale with newcomer VA LA VIE. An unraced daughter of Walk In The Park, the filly is out of a 131-rated hurdler, and although she is bred to appreciate further in time, this stiff track should play to her strengths. Fahey is able to ready one at the first time of asking, has trained some smart bumper mares over the years, and in a race where recent form is scarce his debutant gets the nod. Having finished third at this track last time, Mozart's Song sets the form standard despite weakening late on, and the Eamon Courtney-trained filly should be sharper now, while Moscovite is another newcomer that warrants close inspection.
Prediction : 1st Va La Vie 2nd Mozarts Song 3rd Moscovite