Classy HMS Seahorse looks the one to beat in Galway festival opener

Galmont.com & Galwaybayhotel.com Novice Hurdle | 2m½f | 4yo | RTE2/RTV

The opener at the 2022 Galway festival might prove to be the easiest puzzle of the week to solve, as it looks to be all about HMS Seahorse.

A potential tilt at the Galway Hurdle later in the week may still be an option for Paul Nolan's classy four-year-old, but he sets a high standard here, being the only one with a published rating – a mark of 132.

The son of Galileo has been in cracking form this year, with his fourth place behind Brazil in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham the standout form on offer.

HMS Seahorse has run twice since and while he was no match for Vauban in Grade 1 company at the Punchestown festival, he galloped his rivals into submission in the Ragusa Handicap at the Curragh last month, winning by six and a half lengths. The rain forecast to fall at Ballybrit will only aid his chance.

Perhaps the one who could give him most to think about is the Ted Walsh-trained Gaoth Chuil, who makes her hurdles debut.

The daughter of Harzand was impressive when landing a bumper by 14 lengths at the fourth time of asking at Tipperary last month, earning an RPR of 111. She is of interest going over hurdles and is in receipt of a stone from HMS Seahorse.

Gordon Elliott: saddles two runnersCredit: Edward Whitaker

Gordon Elliott's two-pronged attack on the €21,000 contest is led by recent Sligo maiden hurdle winner As Tears Go By, who looked smart when running out a comfortable winner at the nearby track.

The Chris Timmons-trained Razdan runs for the first time over hurdles since September, when he finished third in a three-year-old maiden at Ballinrobe, but he may be of interest if transferring his decent Flat form into this sphere.

Conor O'Dwyer will be hoping Sawbuck can repeat his heroics from Punchestown, when he ran out a 300-1 winner, while Mr Sundancer makes his debut on Irish soil for Shark Hanlon.

What they say

Gordon Elliot, trainer of As Tears Go By and Royal Eagle
As Tears Go By won really nicely the last day. It looks a good race and a big ask against HMS Seahorse, but he's moving well and we're looking forward to him. Royal Eagle ran well but was just beaten on the Flat at Dundalk. She gets all the allowances and if she runs a nice race, we'd be very happy.

Paul Nolan, trainer of HMS Seahorse
He's been ticking over nicely since the Curragh. He's done a bit of schooling and seems in good form. There's no reason why he shouldn't run his race if all goes to plan. I think possibly the more it rains, the better as he handles softer ground well.

Shark Hanlon, trainer of Mr Sundancer
He's in great form. He didn't handle the firm ground the last day, so the bit of rain they're expecting should suit him. Back at two miles will be right up his street.

Chris Timmons, trainer of Razdan
He's training and schooling well. He's had only the one run over hurdles, and the ground went a little heavy for him over the winter. He's schooling and training well, so we're hopeful of a good run.

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