DAVY RUSSELL GALWAY blog: Thursday/Friday

I was delighted with the way that Battleoverdoyen ran on Wednesday night to be fifth in the Plate and he ran all the way to the line. He just wasn’t able to get near the leaders, but he’s run his heart out. Ash Tree Meadow has run some race too to finish fourth which is a hell of an effort for one so inexperienced.

Anyway, I’ve no Party Central in the Galway Hurdle as she misses out at the last minute because she was lame this morning (Wednesday). That’s a shame as I know that Gordon thought the race would be perfect for her. She’ll be back to fight another day. At the moment, I’ve only the one ride on Thursday and the one on Friday…

Thursday

GALWAY

SALVADOR ZIGGY – 4.30pm

Moving onto Thursday’s action where I partner Salvador Ziggy in what looks a fiercely competitive novice hurdle. He followed up his win in Punchestown by going in again in Roscommon earlier in the month and he comes here in super form. Gordon also saddles a similar type in The Friday Man who is also looking to make it three on the bounce. The pair shouldn’t be far away but may struggle to beat Hors Piste who absolutely bolted in the last day. She looks a smart mare and may be hard to beat if in the same form.

TOP BANDIT 5.05pm (Guinness Galway Hurdle)

After Party Central’s defection, I was thrilled to be asked to ride Top Bandit who I had a nice association with the last campaign. He hasn’t been seen since finishing down the field in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham (pictured below) which was his first handicap run. He was in at the deep end that day and may not have been up to it at that stage of his career. It’ll be good to get back aboard him and hopefully he can again show the promise of last year when racking up a sequence.  Looking at the opposition and Santa Rossa looks to have the ideal profile for the race while My Mate Mozzie has that bit of class on his day. Gordon also has a few at the bottom of the handicap including The Tide Turns and Glan who can show up well too.

Friday

GALWAY

COACH CARTER – 6.00pm

My only ride on Friday is Coach Carter (pictured below) who has been doing all his running the other side of the sea. He was second behind Beakstown in Ayr back in April and followed that by winning in Perth the last day. He’s had a fair bit of time to get over that run, but he’s a horse that goes well fresh, so the break is a bit of a plus. This is a very competitive race though with Busselton likely to be favourite. I’ve a feeling Ted Walsh’s horse (Batcio) will go pretty close. I’ve ridden him before, and he was a good second over the Grand National fences the last day. I’d say this has been the plan for some time.

Good Luck
Davy

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