16:30 Galway: Timeform preview and free Race Pass
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The Deacy Gilligan Hurdle, a minor event over two miles and five furlongs is one of the best races on Galway's card on Monday, worth €17,500, and it has attracted some useful types.
It is 10-year-old Seddon (164) who tops Timeform weight-adjusted ratings. He thrived upon joining John McConnell last summer, winning four times over both hurdles and fences, his latest win coming in a two and a half mile handicap hurdle at Punchestown in April.
That was a valuable event and Seddon came in for a well-judged ride from this jockey, sent forward straight from the off and opening up a clear advantage. The gap was reduced three from home but he responded well to pressure, fending off all challengers and having a bit in hand at the line. Seddon had a pipe-opener on the Flat at Killarney 18 days ago which should have put him spot on for this and he comes out well at the weights on these terms. He seems sure to launch a bold bid to complete a five-timer over obstacles.
Happy Jacky (162) is a four-time winner over hurdles and he returned to form from out of the blue when finishing second in a handicap hurdle over a similar distance at Killarney last month. That was a good performance, running the odds-on Willie Mullins-trained favourite all the way to the line, and also pulling well clear of the remainder. If he is in the same form he seems sure to go close on these terms at a course he has gone well at in the past, which is highlighted by theHorses For Courses Flag.
The Gordon Elliott-trained An Mhi (144p) has to concede weight all round but he arrives very much on the up. He has developed into a useful hurdler this year, winning all four of his starts, all of them as an odds-on favourite. He has taken well to being ridden positively, again making all of the running when recording another career-best effort in a minor event at Downpatrick last month. That may not have been the deepest race and he has more on his plate now, but he is a likeable, straightforward type who will continue to give a good account.
Winter Fog (161), who represents Willie Mullins, is another horse who has to be considered. He made a winning start for the yard in a two mile handicap hurdle at Leopardstown last season and went on to run in the County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival next time. Winter Fog didn't take to chasing earlier this year but made the most of a good opportunity when resuming winning ways at Cork in July. He disappointed at Kilbeggan last time but he will be competitive if bouncing back, so it would be folly to ignore his claims with Paul Townend taking over in the saddle, which is a positive, highlighted by the Jockey Uplift Flag.
Jeff Kidder (157) and Macgiloney (147) complete the line up and, while the former will appreciate this drop back in trip, he needs to show improved form to figure. Macgiloney is having his first start for a new yard so it will be interesting to see how he fares in the market.
Timeform's Analyst Verdict:
Seddon should be spot on for this after a recent spin on the Flat and can enhance his excellent strike-rate since joining John McConnell. If Happy Jacky is in the same form as when second at Killarney last time he may give the selection most to do ahead of the progressive An Mhi.
Timeform's weight-adjusted ratings:
164 Seddon
162 Happy Jacky
161 Winter Fog
157 Jeff Kidder
147 Macgiloney
144p An Mhi
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