Race analysis and trainer insight as Mullins looks to bag another Galway prize

6.15 GalwayGuinness Handicap Hurdle (Grade B) | 2m7f, 4yo+ | RTV

There you were thinking that this valuable staying handicap hurdle was going to be simple to solve. Sure, all you have to do is back whatever Willie Mullins runs because he has won three of the last five runnings. But, what happens when Ireland's champion jumps trainer is represented by seven? Not so easy now, is it?

Canardier is the number one hope from Closutton judged by jockey bookings as Paul Townend has picked him. He was a classy performer when in the care of Dermot McLoughlin and was backed all the way down to 13-2 for the Coral Cup at the Cheltenham Festival on his first start for Mullins.

He might well have been placed in that competitive event had he not crashed out at the last and he is now running off a 2lb lower mark. There is certainly plenty to like about his chances.

Sayo: could be the leading light for Willie MullinsCredit: Patrick McCann

But, perhaps Sayo could be the surprise package from the Mullins team. He won a beginners chase at Galway in October by 24 lengths and comes into this race on the back of an eyecatching effort in a Flat handicap at the Curragh. Thursday's Galway Hurdle-winning jockey Patrick Mullins takes the ride.

Of those not trained by Willie Mullins, it is a horse trained by his nephew, Emmet, who makes most appeal.

Pilbara is a progressive five-year-old who has made giant strides since joining his new stable and was just touched off in a handicap hurdle over slightly shorter on Wednesday evening. He has a 9lb higher mark to deal with this time, but the longer trip will suit and talented 7lb claimer Simon Torrens has been booked.

Flooring Porter comes into the contest on the back of a gutsy win at Gowran Park, but an 8lb penalty might prove his undoing.

What they say

Willie Mullins, trainer of Stratum, Canardier, Sayo, Foveros, My Sister Sarah, Great White Shark, Diamond Hill
Canardier was running a great race at Cheltenham until he came down at the last and I have to say I’ve been very happy with him since. Stratum has top weight and will enjoy the trip, but the rain is definitely a negative for him. Sayo has good form at the track and shaped nicely at the Curragh, so I think he ticks a lot of the boxes. Foveros won at the meeting last year, but he was disappointing last time. My Sister Sarah ran a lovely race the other day. Great White Shark didn’t get much luck on Monday and, with less traffic congestion, should get even closer here. Diamond Hill is a course winner and has a nice racing weight, but the ground would need to dry out a bit for her to be at her best.

Gavin Cromwell, trainer of Flooring Porter
He travelled very strongly when he won at Gowran. He can be a bit keen. He came out of the race very well and, while this is a step up up in grade for him, I’m hoping he can go well again if it’s a strongly run race.

Recent Revelations (orange): seen finishing second to Barrington Court at TipperaryCredit: Alain Barr

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Recent Revelations
He’s a good, consistent horse who ran well at Roscommon. The form was franked the other day by The Very Man, so hopefully he can give another good account of himself.

Emmet Mullins, trainer of Pilbara
He ran well the other night. He had 9lb in hand then and he still got beaten, so it’s going to be harder with 9lb extra this time. Every race is getting tougher for him.

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