Unlucky 2021 faller Robinnia out to end festival on high note for Willie Mullins

Sunday: 3.40 Galway
Lord Hemphill Memorial Handicap Chase | 2m2f | 4yo+ | RTV

It's quite possible the shape of this €30,000 contest could change on raceday, as connections decide whether or not a number of these will make their second or third appearance of the week at Galway.

Willie Mullins has kept Robinnia's powder dry, though, and could be set to reap the benefit of freshness as she makes her handicap chase debut off a mark of 125.

Her jumping hasn't always been convincing, winning two of her six starts in this sphere while also failing to complete twice, but she did look set to throw down a serious challenge when falling at the last in the Grade 3 novice chase at this meeting 12 months ago. A similar effort here would see her play a major role.

Henry de Bromhead got off the mark for the festival on Friday night when Gabbys Cross took out the Galway Blazers Handicap Chase and he prepares a three-pronged attack in a bid to win this race for the fourth time in eight years.

Zarkareva, the mount of Rachael Blackmore, appeals most on the basis that there could be improvement to come from her fine Punchestown second last time, a run that followed a 153-day break.

Ross O'Sullivan on Benefit Run: 'He looks to be off a nice mark, running off 3lb lower than when he was second in this race last year.'Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Dual-purpose trainer Ross O'Sullivan has been enjoying a fine season under both codes and has waited until the final meeting of the week to saddle his first runner at the 2022 Galway festival.

Benefit Run, runner-up off a 3lb higher mark than last year, has the assistance of Galway Plate-winning rider Jordan Gainford and should be bang there if bringing his best form to the table.

Exit Poll seeks Plate compensation for Harrington

Connections of Exit Poll could be forgiven for feeling frustrated after failing to get a run in Wednesday's Galway Plate but compensation could be forthcoming on day seven of the Ballybrit spectacular.

A mark of 142 left the Jessica Harrington-trained chaser as first reserve for the €270,000 prize, but an early cut-off point for such horses to get into the race passed before Early Doors was declared as a non-runner.

Exit Poll would have been receiving weight from all rivals in the day-three feature but instead gives plenty of weight away in this 2m2f assignment.

Exit Poll: holds strong claims in the Lord Hemphill Memorial Handicap ChaseCredit: Patrick McCann

However, the useful eight-year-old did finish a cracking second as topweight in a competitive Leopardstown handicap chase last Christmas so can cope with a substantial weight.

Harrington said: "It was a pity that he didn't get into the Galway Plate as a reserve but there's no point in moaning about it.

"He seems to be in great form and we're just hoping there isn't too much rain. He's got some form around this track before."

What they say

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Zarkareva, January Jets and Cornerkova
Zarkareva ran well last time at Punchestown and looks to be in good form so we're hoping for a good run. January Jets has been a bit disappointing but hopefully he might be able to find his form. Cornerkova has been in really good form in winning her last couple of starts. This is another step up in class but we're hoping she can run a nice race.

Henry de Bromhead on Zarkareva: 'She ran well last time at Punchestown and looks to be in good form so we're hoping for a good run'Credit: Patrick McCann

Louise Lyons, trainer of Espion Du Chenet
He's been brilliant for us and always tries his heart out. He might have been a bit flat last time at Killarney but we've tried to freshen him up since with a week off to hopefully rejuvenate him. He might head for a break after this but hopefully he can run well.

Gary Hanmer, trainer of Costly Diamond
She's in great shape and has been running well. Her owner is from Galway so the aim has been to run her here. She's had plenty of entries without getting in this week but this was the race I liked the look of most for her, so I'm glad she gets to run in this.

Ross O'Sullivan, trainer of Benefit Run
He looks to be off a nice mark, running off 3lb lower than when he was second in this race last year. He can be a bit of a monkey but has plenty of ability. If he can show his spark then hopefully he could run a big race. He should come on for his first start back over hurdles at Killarney last time.

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