Classic clues in the maidens? Five things to look out for . . .

For Irish racing fans, Galway is just as glorious as Goodwood. It is the perfect concoction of fun, fashion, frolics and fascinating Flat and jumps action on the track. David Jennings pinpoints five things to look forward to at Ballybrit next week

A full Plate of stars

Gone are the days when an ordinary plodder could land the Galway Plate. Ordinary plodders can't even get into the race anymore. You needed to be rated 134 to make the cut 12 months ago and this year's renewal looks even better. Road To Riches, so impressive when winning the race by a wide-margin in 2014, is back for a third crack, while last year's winner Lord Scoundrel will also represent Gigginstown. Willie Mullins looks likely to adopt a scattergun approach, with the versatile Shaneshill set to spearhead his challenge and promising second-season novices Balko Des Flos and Townshend adding plenty of spice to a very tasty Plate.

Future Classic heroes

You would never have guessed the 2017 Investec Derby winner was lurking in the 7f maiden on day five last year. The race went the way punters expected with 11-8 favourite Lost In Silence scoring under Pat Smullen. But who was eight and a half lengths behind in seventh? None other than Wings Of Eagles. The 7f fillies' maiden in 2014 was won by the mighty Legatissimo, who went on to land the 1,000 Guineas, Nassau Stakes and Matron Stakes the following year. Keep your eyes peeled. There could be Classic clues in the maidens next week.

Ireland's richest hurdle

The Guinness Galway Hurdle produced a thrilling finish 12 months ago when Clondaw Warrior denied Hidden Cyclone by half a length. He could be back to defend his crown and Willie Mullins has also confirmed that 2015 runner-up Max Dynamite, who went on to take second in the Melbourne Cup a few months later, will also return to try to go one better. The hat-trick-seeking Timiyan bids to give Gordon Elliott a first win in the race and the Evan Williams-trained John Constable might make the trip over the Irish Sea after plundering the Swinton Hurdle at Haydock and the Summer Hurdle at Market Rasen.

Joseph O'Brien: no hotter trainer in Ireland at the momentCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Joseph's dream team

There is no hotter trainer in Ireland right now than Joseph O'Brien, who has sent out 13 winners in the last 14 days going into Thursday night's Leopardstown meeting. He has also had 11 seconds and four thirds in the last fortnight, so it is fair to say his team are in rude health. Dermot Weld and Willie Mullins usually mop up most of the races during the Galway festival but, with O'Brien likely to have lots of runners both on the Flat and over jumps, he should not be far away in the battle for the top trainer award. His big hope will be Tigris River in the Guinness Galway Hurdle.

Baraweez has done a double shift at the past three festivals and is back for moreCredit: Patrick McCann

Baraweez is back

Brian Ellison loves his trips to Ballybrit and Baraweez usually tags along. The gelded son of Cape Cross is now aged seven years and is entered in both the Colm Quinn BMW Mile Handicap (Tuesday) and the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Ahonoora Handicap (Sunday) next week. He has turned up in those races for each of the last three years. He was third on the Tuesday and won on the Sunday in 2014. He was second on Tuesday and won on Sunday in 2015, while he was fifth on both days in 2016. What does 2017 have in store for the course specialist?