GordonElliott

16:50 - Plan A

He finished seventh in this race last year and the return to Galway has been the plan for some time now. Unfortunately, the ground has gone pretty soft and, while he doesn't need it fast, we would have preferred it to be a little less testing.

It's been a frustrating summer and having to pull Carlito Brigante out of yesterday's Plate was more evidence of that. But Plan A has been in very good form at home and he had a nice run on the flat at the Curragh when last seen, back in April.

He's fit and ready to go and with a bit of luck, he could be in the shake-up. He'll be our first runner for owner JP McManus, who bought him recently, and let's hope he runs a big race. Mark Walsh will ride him and is likely to ride him from mid-division, hope to keep out of trouble and see what happens after that.

It's as competitive a Galway Hurdle as ever but with some luck, hopefully he can improve on last year's run.


Cause Of Causes

All the entries have stood their ground and so he's first reserve for the Galway Hurdle. He doesn't want it testing but if he gets in we'll let him take his chance.

He has won a couple of races over hurdles since arriving over from France and is very much unexposed. The form of his last victory got a boost when sixth-placed Miradane went on to win at Ballinrobe and with his four-year-old allowance, he has a handy weight.

There should be plenty more to come from him and he's capable of a good run so let's hope he gets in and gets the chance to show it.


Discoteca

He ran here in the opening race on Monday evening but was a bit flat, finishing fourth behind Train Of Thought. He seems to be fine now and, as with Cause Of Causes, if he gets into the race he'll take his chance.

He has been very progressive over hurdles in the second half of the season, winning four times, and while some of those wins have come on testing ground, he would certainly prefer it to ride on the good side.

If he gets in, he'll need to show a bit more than he did on Monday but he has a lovely low weight and if showing his best, should go well.


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