Katie Walsh: My 5 fancies for Thursday at Galway
28 Jul
Horse Racing
Katie Walsh
The Betway ambassador reveals the five horses she'd be siding with on Thursday's card, including her selection for the Galway Hurdle.

In the opening race (16:35), I like Carrarea SP for Emmet Mullins.

Sean Flanagan takes the ride and this horse is much better off at the weights with Ilmig SP this time around.

He was unbeaten in two starts before that and I think he’ll continue on his upward curve in this competitive race.

Bleu Berry SP should be tough to beat in the Beginners Chase (17:10).

He beat Snow Falcon and Bapaume over hurdles last time and those horses are rated in the 140s and 150s respectively, so he really should be winning this contest.

Although he’s 10, he’s only lightly raced.

Gin On Lime SP is a savage jumper and is unbeaten in her last three starts.

I love the way she goes about things – she just wants to get on with it. This is a step up in grade, but she’s the one they all have to beat in the Novice Chase (17:45). 

Belfast Banter 15/2 is the one I’d have on my side in the Galway Hurdle (18:15).

I thought he was class in the Country Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, then backed it up in the Grade 1 Betway Top Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree.

He’s clearly still improving, and it’d be great for Peter Fahey to win a race as big as this.

M C Muldoon SP is another who should take all of the beating in the Novice Hurdle (19:15).

He was unlucky at Royal Ascot and will have plenty of big days ahead of him over both codes.

He won’t mind testing conditions and Patrick [Mullins] – who has ridden him on all his starts over hurdles for Willie [Mullins] – takes the ride again.

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