Cromwell on Thecompanysergeant: 'This race is the priority'

Galway Races gets underway on Monday at 5.10pm and William Hill ambassador Gavin Cromwell has given a rundown of his declared runners on day one and day three.

Cromwell also revealed to William Hill that one of his stars, Hello Neighbour, who was entered in the Grade 3 Galway Hurdle on Thursday, has suffered a setback and won’t be seen until Christmas. However, he still has plenty of live chances.

Tell Us This, 2m1/2f Handicap Hurdle, 5.40 Monday

He’s up 11 pounds for his win at Downpatrick two weeks ago, which is a big ask. Eoin Staples was good value for his seven-pound claim and he’ll take the ride again.

It’s going to be difficult to improve enough here but he was a good winner the last day and if he can reproduce a similar run then he might not be too far away.

Ahead Of The Posse, 2m6f Handicap Hurdle, 5.35 Wednesday

He also won last time out but has only been put up two pounds for that. He was good that day and showed signs of being back to his old self.

We’re happy with him at home and I’d be surprised if he doesn’t run well again here, whether that’ll be enough for him to hit the frame again, I’m not sure.

Thecompanysergeant, Galway Plate, 6.40 Wednesday

He’s entered in a Listed Hurdle on Saturday as well and I can’t rule that out, but this race is the priority.He’s in good form at home and I don’t see why he can’t produce a similar performance here to his run in the Plate at Cheltenham.

The Galway Plate is always a helter-skelter race and he’ll need to get off to a good start and put in a clear round of jumping.

The trip should be ideal; he should handle the track fine and I don’t see a reason why he can’t be involved in the finish. I’d say he’s probably one of our best chances of a winner this week.

Empress Alma, 2m1/2f Handicap, 8.20 Wednesday

Off a nice low weight, she’s drawn 19 which is far from ideal, but if they go a good gallop over the two miles then hopefully she could come home well.

She’ll need some luck from that draw but if they go hard then hopefully she can pick a few up coming home.