15:30 Galway

Monday 30 October 2017

All13:1013:4514:2014:5515:3016:0516:35

Barna Recycling Rated Novice Hurdle

Off time: 15:30 | Winning time: 5m 18.9s

The Rory Story²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: J M Moore| T: N Meade| C

5/2

Beat a highly regarded sort when winning his maiden here over 2m3f earlier in the month and should go well once more for a yard in cracking form.

Form: 155-1

Hardback²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: A W Short⁽⁷⁾| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 123

14/1

Won opening maiden at Sligo and looked like may follow up when leading but unseating at last next at Clonmel. Another final hurdle error cost him when again in the mix here last time. If he can jump the last this time he must have a chance.

Form: U/1F3

Aeglos¹¹⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: B J Geraghty| T: J P O'Brien

7/1

Bumper winner who was pitched in at the deep end on hurdles debut before finding maiden company much more like it last time at Bellewstown. Had a break since but should win races this winter.

Form: 2717-1

Hey Little Boy⁷¹

Age: 4| Weight: 11-1| J: Ruby Walsh| T: W P Mullins

9/4

German import made a good impression for these all conquering connections at Tramore in August over 2m5f. He made an error at the last before rallying to win there so probably better than bare form. Leading player.

Form: 1

Just Janice²²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-1| J: D N Russell| T: J E Kiely| OR: 121| BF| D

6/1

Experienced mare who won at Clonmel in the summer and she has been thereabouts in several novice and handicap hurdles since. Vulnerable to less exposed types but hard to see her not making the frame.

Form: 252632

Ben Brody¹²⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: M J Bolger| T: S Byrne| OR: 116| D

33/1

Bumper winner who was left in front at the last in his first hurdle race, a maiden at Punchestown. Well beaten fifth at Kilbeggan when last seen although perhaps 3m1f was too far. Not dismissed although others more obvious contenders.

Form: 2561-15

Mischievious Max²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: J J Slevin⁽³⁾| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 125

5/1

Won a Downpatrick maiden before two good seconds in handicaps including behind a very smart winner last time here. Can make the running and should make a bold bid.

Form: 342122

Bhutan²²

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: M A Enright| T: J P O'Brien

25/1

Won at Tipperary in July before well beaten here at the festival. Third in small field on flat at Killarney before tailed off in Irish Cesarewitch under aggressive ride. Suspicions that he may find this far enough.

Form: 6-16

Forecasts

Hey Little Boy (9/4), The Rory Story (5/2), Mischievious Max (5/1), Just Janice (6/1), Aeglos (7/1), Hardback (14/1), Bhutan (25/1), Ben Brody (33/1)

It is difficult to write any of these runners off with the majority having just won maidens. In such races it often pays to follow the all-conquering Mullins-Walsh combination and there HEY LITTLE BOY looked potentially smart at Tramore in his lone start so he gets the nod. Joseph O'Brien runs four here and jockey bookings suggest Mischievous Max is toward the top of the pecking order. He bumped into a smart Mullins horse last time but will be hoping lightning doesn't strike twice. Just Janice has an edge in experience and is very consistent, she should be thereabouts once more.