17:10 Galmont.com & Galwaybayhotel.com Novice Hurdle

Race preview

The Galway Hurdle is the major target for HMS SEAHORSE this week but he should be capable of picking up this prize before Thursday's big race. He is currently towards the head of the betting for the valuable handicap hurdle later in the week but needs a few to come out. The 132-rated Galileo gelding was third in Grade 1 company at Punchestown, albeit beaten a fair way, and had been a good fourth in the Boodles at Cheltenham prior to that. He made a big impression on the Flat last time when running away with a competitive handicap at the Curragh and comes here in fine form. He sets a fair standard for these novices to match. Gaoth Chuil gets a stone from him on her hurdling debut and could be the one to give him most to do. She had some solid bumper form. As Tears Go By won well on his hurdling debut at Sligo, when beating a 109 rated rival, and with improvement he's entitled to run well.