'This looks a good opportunity' - The Shunter stands out in Galway feature event

Monday: 5.15 Galway
Deacy Gilligan Hurdle | 2m5½f | 4yo+ | RTV

This looks a shrewd piece of placing from connections of The Shunter to target a conditions hurdle where he is nicely treated at the weights.

There was definite promise to be gleaned from his recent third behind stablemate Cape Gentleman on the Flat at Killarney, and his hurdles mark of 144 is the highest on offer here.

He receives 10lb from his nearest-rated rival Darver Star, who holds a mark of 142, while he concedes just 1lb to 140-rated mare Shewearsitwell.

Strictly on figures, this looks a good opportunity for the Emmet Mullins-trained nine-year-old to notch his first hurdles win since the 2021 Morebattle Hurdle.

The Cheltenham Festival-winning campaigner does face some in-form rivals, though, including decisive Kilbeggan winner Darver Star, who appears to be in a good place this summer.

Darver Star: got back to winning ways at Kilbeggan last monthCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

We have not seen the best of Shewearsitwell the last twice, particularly when disappointing in the Galway Hurdle, but reverting to this sort of trip should see her in a better light.

The Very Man has work to do at the weights but showed his wellbeing when runner-up in a 1m4f maiden on the Flat at Tramore 23 days ago, while Happy Jacky was last seen finishing a safely-held second to Hallowed Star in a valuable handicap at the summer festival.

Macgiloney won this race 12 months ago and clearly likes Galway, boasting form figures of 43511 at this venue.

He will need to improve on his recent form and is 20lb wrong at the weights with The Shunter but tends to be more effective in conditions races as opposed to handicaps.

What they say

Gavin Cromwell, trainer of Darver Star
He has to give weight away to some decent horses but he's in good nick and hopefully he'll run a good race. I think this trip at a track like Galway should be ideal.

Macgiloney: seeking back-to-back wins in this race for Denis HoganCredit: Patrick McCann

Denis Hogan, trainer and rider of Macgiloney
He's in good nick and will love the little ease in the ground. It's not ideal to meet some of the fancied ones wrong at the weights, but he likes these small fields and ran very well last time behind Darver Star. If he runs his race he should be in the money, so we're hoping for a good run.

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Discordantly and The Very Man
We're switching Discordantly back to hurdles, having been chasing, so we'll see how he fares with that. The Very Man had a great run on the Flat last time and seems to be in good order.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Duffle Coat and Everybreathyoutake
Duffle Coat ran well over hurdles last time at Down Royal, having previously come here for a Flat handicap at the festival. Hopefully he should give a good account. Everybreathyoutake was returning from a break last time at Perth but will need to improve.

Frank Berry, racing manager to JP McManus, owner of The Shunter
He ran well at Killarney and Emmet is happy with him. Hopefully this is the right kind of race to find for him, so fingers crossed he runs well.

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