'This has been the plan' - Emmet Mullins takes aim at €110,000 Galway feature

The Andy Slattery stable is one to keep onside at Ballybrit this week, having already registered two winners, and Cloud Seeker should be a big player in the 1m4f Guinness Handicap after two excellent runner-up efforts in premier handicaps at the Curragh.

The four-year-old appreciated the return to good ground at Leopardstown in May when he was value for more than the neck winning margin, having idled in front. He attempted to make all over 1m4f last time but got nailed in the dying strides by the reopposing Fleetfoot. 

He has finished in the first two in eight of his 14 starts, so he's a very solid proposition. Any rain would be a concern, though, and his draw isn't ideal.

Fleetfoot is more versatile ground-wise and is unexposed over this trip. He was a shade keen last time but should settle better at this track.

Cheeky Wink put in another solid run when second to Chally Chute in the Listed Lenebane Stakes last time but a mark of 96 demands more and the form of that race is hard to weigh up.

Lope De Lilas will likely prove popular in the market and a line can be put through her run at the Curragh last time, but she doesn't have much in hand off her mark.

Acapulco Bay looks reasonably treated after thirds in a strong running of the Ulster Derby and in Listed company. However, this trip might be on the sharp side as he looks a thorough stayer.

Soaring Monarch shaped really well when third in this race last year and is interesting at a big price, while Nans View also boasts good course form and made an encouraging reappearance when second at Navan.

The each-way vote goes to Lord Church, particularly if the ground has give in it. He really caught the eye when third at Limerick on his stable debut for Emmet Mullins in a slowly run race and may have found the ground a bit lively on his last two starts.

What they say

Brian Slattery, assistant to Andy Slattery, trainer of Cloud Seeker
He's very consistent and has been a bit unlucky on his last two runs. He's been in great form since and we're hoping for a big run, but he wouldn't want the ground to get much softer.

James Barrett, trainer of Soaring Monarch
He ended up too handy last time and didn't get any luck. The ground probably won't be in his favour, but he seems to run well at the track. Nicola [Burns] is riding well and the 7lb off his back puts him on a nice weight, so hopefully he has an each-way squeak.

Emmet Mullins, trainer of Lord Church
He wasn't beaten far last time but I was a bit disappointed walking away from the stands. However, Wayne [Lordan] thought he didn't let himself fully down on the ground. This has been the plan since and yielding ground or slower should be fine for him and he's drawn well.

Jarlath Fahey, trainer of Nans View
We were very happy with her run back at Navan and we've been waiting on softer ground for her. It looks like we should get that and she has a good track record, having been second last year and won over a mile and a half in October.

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