30th October - Galway Review (AW)

30th October – Galway

Chase course - Heavy; Hurdle course Soft to Heavy (Times suggest Heavy all round)

The opener saw Noel Meade continue his recent dominance of maiden hurdles, with Aitmatov scoring from Gripit N Tipit. The pair chased home the well-regarded Clopf on their previous engagement giving Clopf’s performance a better shine to it. Quite a few of these runners were fairly inexperienced and I’d be inclined to think that a few winners would come out of the race. The Sliotar and Acorn Hollow look likely scorers, with the former particularly interesting. This was a decent maiden; the winner should appreciate further and will be taking the novice route.

Foligold continued the progress that I had hinted at when a winner last time out. This further success was however devastated by the awful time in which the race was run and once again throws a shadow out doubt over the true ability the horse is showing. Last time out I described the race as average and that the horse appeared to be settling at last since moving from France. This theory may be true but once again there should be a note of caution. Callherwhatulike continues to run consistently however; giving the form a more solid look and a winning opportunity shouldn’t be far away.

Killeroran Kash followed up a recent Fairyhouse success in the handicap hurdle. Former Galway scorer Vintage Port was travelling ok when coming down at the last. Killeroran Kash battled on resolutely to score again. The form now looks a lot more solid but I’d be inclined to take a couple of horses in behind from the race rather than the winner. Arafan and Designer Grey may be worth looking out for. Form lines also indicate that Bernabeu’s win is proving worth placing faith in his ability.

Kahuna landed the hat trick in the handicap chase, the performance was fairly solid and quite where they can go next is hard to say, as the weight will start to prove tricky to defy. Carthalawn was made favourite on his handicap debut over fences and is still worth bearing in mind for a similar contest and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them chase their losses next time out.

Gazza’s Girl did the business on the second time of asking over fences. A nice mare over hurdles she is sure to carry on from here and gain further success. Vedelle is running consistently and an opportunity may arise. Toofarback was making a seasonal reappearance and was always going to need the run more so than the two race fit rivals that finished in front of him. He is almost certain to score soon. Those in behind were nothing special and look better suited to handicaps.