14:25 Galway
Monday 18 September 2017
All14:2514:5515:2516:0016:3017:0017:30
Galway 2020 Maiden Hurdle
- 4YO plus | 2m 110y | Soft (Yielding in places) | 12 Runners | Turf | Weighed In
- Off time: 14:27 | Winning time: 4m 7.1s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Winner of sole outing in the point-to-point sphere back in April 2015, rules debut now after a long absence and market can steer expectations of the seven-year-old.
Fourth of 24 on hurdles debut at Limerick in July over 2m, can build on that now and likely softer surface shouldn't be a worry, Townend stays on board.
Beaten long distance in first two starts over timber, both at this trip, then pulled up over longer journey at Naas in February. Facing stiff ask on return to action seemingly.
Made winning start in Wexford bumper in June on good ground, held since at Tipperary under the penalty. Tends to race a bit keenly but an interesting contender on first outing over obstacles.
Related to the likes of The Game Changer, Flying Angel and Mad Jack Mytton, showed some promise in 2m Limerick bumper in July, poor since over longer journey at Cork. Hurdles bow now and market check suggested.
Poor performer on the Flat, went off 66/1 and beaten 52L on hurdles bow at Ballinrobe 20 days ago over this trip on yielding to soft ground. Doesn't hold appealing claims on form.
Nothing shown in four outings over timber to date suggests this drop back to 2m will bring about a victory. Poor form and unseated rider last time at Kilbeggan.
Winner on the Flat for John Gosden and reached a mark of 82 in that sphere, relocated to the champion jumps trainer and makes first outing over timber, likely to know his job very well.
Hasn't lived up to expectations in three hurdles starts thus far, was running a better race last time at Killarney (2m1f, good) when hampered two out and then got the last all wrong. Better can surely be expected.
Off the mark, narrowly, in good ground bumper at Bellewstown late last month, showing real tenacity to do so. First start over timber, leading yard and Russell on board, likely sort.
Mare was no more than modest in three bumper runs and completely tailed off last week in hurdles bow at Listowel on testing ground. Work to do.
Beaten out of sight in both hurdles starts to date, produced better effort in Killarney bumper (2m1f, good) late last month and since been out over an inadequate 7f on the beach at Laytown. Needs to improve.
Forecasts
Stratum (1/2), Gagas Horse (5/1), Youghal By The Sea (11/2), Pass Hymn (12/1), The Major General (12/1), Tizme (33/1), Fair Play To You (33/1), Bold Frost (50/1), Harvey Wallbanger (66/1), Lakeside Pearl (66/1), Divin Desir (100/1), Paulie C (100/1)
The ex-John Gosden runner Stratum was picked up for decent money by connections and is sure to be popular on debut for Mullins/Walsh. His Flat exploits entitle him to plenty respect and he's certain to be well schooled, but his price will surely reflect all of that. YOUGHAL BY THE SEA showed a really good attitude to win his bumper at Bellewstown last month and could be capable of a strong showing now meeting flights for the first time and is taken to give the likely favourite something to think about. Gagas Horse and The Major General, somewhat unlucky last time, are others to be noted.
- Youghal By The Sea
- Stratum
- The Major General
Prize Money
1st: €8,007.002nd: €2,483.003rd: €1,183.004th: €534.005th: €208.00
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