McHale Pro Glide Hurdle

Off time: 16:25 | Winning time: 4m 21.20s

Belloccio^t²⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 144

6/4

Smart winner at 14f on Flat (won the Copper Horse Handicap at Royal Ascot last year). Tailed-off sixth of 8 to Final Demand in Champion Novices' Hurdle (22/1) at Punchestown (20.6f, good to soft) 24 days ago. This is easier.

Form: 15836-

Fils D'oudairies³⁶

Age: 10| Weight: 11-2| J: Danny Gilligan| T: G Elliott| OR: 139| CD

3/1

Useful hurdler, won this in 2023. 5/1, fifth of 7 in minor event hurdle at Cork (16.3f, soft) 36 days ago. Should bounce back.

Form: 4P4405-

Jesse Evans^t¹⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: Donagh Meyler| T: N Meade| OR: 149| D

85/40

Smart hurdler/chaser with a good record at Galway. 3/1, creditable 12 lengths third of 7 to Hercule du Seuil in Gr 3 chase at Killarney (20.4f, good to soft) 14 days ago. Switches from chase to hurdles. Leading claims.

Form: 83133-3

My Gaffer¹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: Danny Mullins| T: J P Ryan| OR: 117

7/1

Well-backed 7/2, career best when winning 10-runner handicap hurdle at Killarney (20.2f, good to soft) 14 days ago. Lots more needed on these terms but wouldn't completely rule out a surprise.

Form: 97145-1

Turnpike Trip¹¹²⁰

Age: 11| Weight: 11-2| J: Philip Byrnes| T: C Byrnes| OR: 140| D

125/1

Fairly useful chaser. Useful winner at 18f on Flat. 9/2, below form third of 9 in novice chase at Down Royal (19.7f, good) when last seen over 3 years ago. Suspect he'll need this but the betting could point the way.

Form: 3F2P53/

Forecasts

Belloccio (6/4), Jesse Evans (85/40), Fils D'oudairies (3/1), My Gaffer (7/1), Turnpike Trip (125/1)

JESSE EVANS no doubt has Galway on his radar again but before that he has a good chance to notch up another win over hurdles on these terms. 2023 winner Fils d'Oudairies could be the danger.