Galway Hurdle: Key runners, trends, verdict and a 40/1 outsider to follow

The Galway Hurdle is the highlight of the day in Ireland so we’ve put together a preview which will tell you all you need to know. This includes the key runners, significant trends, a big race verdict and an outsider to follow. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

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Market leaders

10. Under Control

The Nicky Henderson-trained British raider has some excellent form in the book and looks very well treated off this mark.

2. Daddy Long Legs

Paul Townend is on board here and he could be a class above, although you’ll need to forgive a pretty poor effort in a Grade 3 last time out.

11. Nurburgring

This horse was very useful in graded juvenile hurdles last season and makes his handicap debut off a mark of 139 here. Joseph O’Brien’s four-year-old is certainly an interesting candidate.

15. Fascile Mode

Thomas Mullins’ six-year-old got back on track with a comfortable victory at Punchestown in June. He wasn’t up to graded level as a novice but may well have a big handicap win in him.

8. Gorgeous Tom

He represents the Henry de Bromhead yard here and shouldn’t be dismissed on the evidence of his progressive form in the spring.

4. My Mate Mozzie

This horse is very adapatable and he was a good third on the Flat at Royal Ascot when last seen. His hurdles mark is 5lb lower than his chase one and he’s therefore entitled to run well once again.

12. Williamstowndancer

Rachael Blackmore’s mount won at Grade 3 level as a novice hurdler and there’s scope for further improvement, with a mark of 135.

Trends

Willie Mullins is the man to follow yet again. Ireland’s dominant trainer has won five of the last 10 renewals and runs eight here.

Only two of the last 10 winners have been favourites and no winner during this period has been shorter than 9/2. This means there’s some value to be found!

Five of the last 10 winners have carried 11-5 or more so you shouldn’t necessarily be put off by big weights.

Verdict

Fascile Mode was our ante-post selection for this race and our mind hasn’t been changed since. He got back on track having been dropped in grade last time and handicaps could be the making of him.

Outsider

Nusret could do with some help from the handicapper but Joseph O’Brien’s horse was a Grade 2 winner as a novice. The son of Golden Horn is capable of making the frame if he can put his best foot forward.

If you back any of our selections you can watch them live on the free Racing Post app or racingpost.com. Simply log in to one of your bookmaker accounts and click ‘Watch live’ on the racecards.

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UK customers only, 18+, T&Cs apply