Un Beau Roman (orange and green) will bid to go one place better than he did at Galway in August© Photo Healy Racing
Un Beau Roman looks to have enough recent form in the book to make him a significant player in the Guinness Handicap Steeplechase over an extended two and a quarter miles in Galway on Wednesday evening.
The Willie Mullins-trained seven-year-old finished a length adrift of Bally Longford over course and distance in early August, after attempting to make all. He rallied to good effect in the final furlong which gives hope that he can overcome a 3lb rise in the weights.
The Mervue Maiden Hurdle does not appear to be the strongest contest on paper so it is hard to look past forecast favourite Iffjack He was beaten a fair way into second at Downpatrick by Killiney Court but the winner looks to be on the upgrade. The addition of first-time blinkers might see him get his head in front. Noah Webster landed the Galway City & Salthill Publicans Charity Handicap Hurdle last year but faces a tough task off a break of almost 300 days. The aforementioned Killiney Court races off a mark of 109 and has to come into consideration.
The Galway City & Salthill Publicans European Breeders Fund Mares Hurdle looks highly competitive. Valyssa Monterg won at this track on her penultimate start before disappointing when favourite in Killarney. There should be more to come from her. She faces no easy task though, with the likes of Daisy's Gift Ballychorus Kris Kindle and Tri Na Ceile lining up.
Dermot Weld has strong prospects of collecting with Waaheb in the Eventus Beginners Steeplechase. The eight-year-old comes here fresh from a win over hurdles in Roscommon which should have boosted his confidence. He is given another chance over the bigger obstacles after failing to impress in two runs at this track in July. Shantou Flyer could outrun his odds in the Ryans Cleaning Steeplechase over an extended two miles and six furlongs. Colin Bowe's charge won a novice chase over course and distance when last seen in July.
Connections of Rosshaven Lady Pearl Diamond and Thumb Stone Blues will all fancy their chances of success in the Jamie Kyne Memorial Flat Race.
