The Irish horse racing broadcaster picks out two selections for the fourth day of the Galway Festival.
A typically competitive edition of the Guinness Galway Hurdle tops the bill on the day four programme at Galway and owner JP McManus looks to have a strong hand as he seeks a first win in the race since Tigris River scored in 2017.
The lightly-raced Under Control is potentially very well treated, just 9lb higher than when defeating stable-companion Iberico Lord at Sandown in April 2023, and if anywhere near her best on her first start since January is likely to be very hard to beat. Risk Belle, part of an eight-pronged attach for Willie Mullins, has been below par on her last two starts but had previously been an eye-catching eighth in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham and certainly has her chance too. For those seeking an each-way option at a decent price however the solid one looks to be MY MATE MOZZIE / , who went agonisingly close when third to Zarak The Brave twelve months ago.
Gavin Cromwell’s charge has developed into a tremendously consistent dual-purpose performer and acquitted himself typically well when third on the level at Royal Ascot last time. This will actually be his first hurdle start since last year’s edition, and just his ninth overall, so he could easily be a major player once again off 3lb higher.
It’s hard to believe that NO MORE PORTER / hasn’t won in fifteen starts since joining Ado McGuinness but the 1m handicap at 15:20 affords him a good opportunity to put that right. The six year-old has turned in a string of creditable efforts during that period, including when collared close home by Coeur D’Or in last year’s Colm Quinn BMW Galway Mile. He failed to make the cut for that race this time around but can compete off just 3lb higher here and comes into today’s assignment on the back of an excellent second at a higher level at the Curragh.
Visit Betway’s horse racing betting page.
