Crafty Butcher out to prove a cut above rivals for Mullins and Walsh

3.05 GalwayGalway Shopping Centre Handicap Hurdle | 2m7f | ATR

Following Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh has proved a profitable approach in this stamina-sapping handicap hurdle in recent times as the pair have won three of the past four editions of this race.

Walsh prefers ten-year-old The Crafty Butcher to Monday's Connacht Hotel-sponsored amateur riders' handicap third Lagostovegas, Aussie Reigns, who races here off the back of a short absence, and recent Tipperary winner Cap D'Aubois.

The Supreme Racing-owned Madurai, the winner of a Gowran Park maiden hurdle, could yet represent the champion trainer but is third reserve.

Noel Meade, who last won this race in 2010 with Silverhand, runs Showem Silver, the choice of stable jockey Sean Flanagan, and Mr Showtime.

What they say

Shark Hanlon, trainer of Hidden Cyclone
He ran a cracker on Monday where he missed the kick and was left standing in the stalls. He lost four or five lengths, which is close to what he was beaten in the end. He's giving a lot of weight away, but we said we'd give him another go. We won't be retiring him.

Willie Mullins, trainer of Cap D'Aubois, Aussie Reigns, The Crafty Butcher, Lagostovegas and Madurai
Cap D'Aubois has a lot of weight but is probably better at this trip. The ground may have gone against Aussie Reigns, but The Crafty Butcher will like the soft conditions. He has a lovely racing weight and stays very well so I can see why Ruby has chosen him. Lagostovegas ran a lovely race in the amateur riders' handicap on Monday and if she holds her form she'd have a chance while Madurai won his maiden hurdle at Gowran Park and I think he'll like this trip.

Willie Codd, trainer of Tellthemnuttin
She won easily last time but it wasn't the best race in the world and she was entitled to win it. The handicapper gave her 10lb but told me he could have given her more and we'll take him at his word. This race was always the plan and she had no luck in running here last year. Her training has gone well and she's in good form, but it's hard to know how she'll handle the latest rise in the weights.

Peter Fahey, trainer of Mine Now
This has been the plan since Ballinrobe. He seems fresh and well and any rain will suit. The form of his last run has worked out really well with Swamp Fox just getting touched off in the big race on Thursday. I think he could be suited to Galway as he's tough and likes to come from off the pace.

Mine Now: form given a boost by Swamp FoxCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Charles Byrnes, trainer of Sea Light
We decided to switch him back to hurdles as he'd be running off the same mark over fences. He's more than a stone higher than last year when he was second at Galway and that makes life tough, but it's a big pot so it's worth having a go.

Noel Meade, trainer of Mr Showtime and Showem Silver
Mr Showtime was good last time and is a nice horse but both him and Showem Silver would like better ground. They're in good form.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Westland Row and William B
Westland Row is in good form and won well last time, but the ground is a bit of a worry. William B is a reserve but I'm not sure if he'll run even if he gets in.

Tony Martin, trainer of Whatsforuwontgobyu and Prince Charmin'
Whatsforuwontgobyu was disappointing at Killarney and I'm hoping he can put that right because he's better than that. Prince Charmin' is first reserve and has a nice racing weight and I'd give him a chance if he ran.

Read exclusive previews of Sunday's Galway card from 6pm tonight on racingpost.com