Galway Races Monday tips: Robbie Power's selections for day 1 at Ballybrit
This seven-year-old was a very good winner at Killarney the last time, Andrew Slattery's horses are in flying form and I'd say the Connacht Hotel (Q.R.) Handicap (6.40) has been the plan for a while.
He won well last time out when beating Mont St Michel by two and a half lengths and was second to previous Cheltenham Festival bumper winner A Dream To Share the time before that.
He sets a high standard of form, I think this stiff track will suit him and he is my selection for what is always a very competitive race.
Meanwhile, it's very interesting that Willie Mullins pitches Davy Crockett straight into a novice hurdle instead of going for a maiden hurdle.
He was a very impressive winner of a bumper in Punchestown back in June and he should take plenty of beating in today's opener, the Galway Bay Hotel & The Galmont Hotel Novice at 5.10.
But Eternal Echo for Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy sets a decent standard. He was a good winner at Cork the last time on his first start over hurdles.
It looks like a race between those two, but preference is for Davy Crockett, with Mark Walsh onboard in the JP McManus colours. Willie Mullins and jockey Mark Walsh (Image: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy)
Willie Mullins is also responsible for the favourite in the second race, the Iggy Daly Easyfix Handicap Hurdle at 5.40, with Rakki, but his form leaves a bit to be desired.
However, it is interesting that Paul Townend takes the ride. It's not usual that Paul would take a ride in a 0-110 handicap hurdle, so you'd have to take huge note of that. He's obviously showing good signs at home.
But the top weight in this, Tell Us This for Gavin Cromwell, is interesting, with jockey Eoin Staples claiming a valuable seven pounds.
He was a good winner 14 days ago at Downpatrick and sets a decent standard.
A seven-furlong maiden comes next at 6.10 and Constitution River looks like he'll be very hard to beat for Aidan O'Brien and Wayne Lordan.
It was a very good run when he finished second on his debut at Newmarket earlier this month. He handled the undulations of Newmarket quite well so I can't see Galway posing a problem.
But I would be keeping an eye out for any market moves for Dermot Weld's Masaban, who Chris Hayes partners on his debut.
Andrew Slattery looks to have another good chance in the Clayton Hotel Galway Handicap at 7.15 with Highbury See See, who won at Gowran Park last month. Andrew Slattery (Image: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy)
Joseph O'Brien holds a strong hand in the GRA Chocolates Handicap at 7.50 with Bear Creek and Starford, but Bear Creek looks to be the one with Dylan Browne McMonagle taking the ride after partnering him to victory at Down Royal 10 days ago.
And I'm going to side with Faith Of Empires in the final race of the day, the Monami Construction INH Flat Race at 8.20.
Emmet Mullins and the Fee colours are very dangerous connections at this meeting and they run this son of Authorised in his debut here.
He was a non-runner back at the Punchestown Festival when he didn't get in a reserve and I'd say this race has been the goal ever since.
Tip of the day - Royal Hollow 6.40
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