Former top jockey Bryan Cooper has shared his predictions for the prestigious Galway Plate. Speaking to Boylesports, Cooper sheds light on some potential contenders and offers valuable insights into their chances.
Kilcruit stands out as one of Cooper's top picks for the Galway Plate. Trained by Willie Mullins. Cooper believes Kilcruit has the ideal profile for the Galway Plate.
"I like Kilcruit. Willie seems to target these races with his second season Novices and they have a great record in it, he did it with Royal Rendezvous two years ago and Balko Des Flos did it for Henry de Bromhead - they both had the same profile, winning at Punchestown Festival and then backing it up at Galway," he said to Boylesports.
"They were probably Graded horses in handicap company and if the ground is good in Galway, Kilcruit is a very nice racing weight."
😍🇮🇪 Kilcruit gets an easy lead up front under Paul Townend and wins with serious ease.
Another winner for Willie Mullins. 🏆pic.twitter.com/SIjuYYz41L— Stephen R Power (@racingblogger) April 28, 2023
Another horse that captures Cooper's attention is Hewick, a favorite among fans. Trainer Shark Hanlon and Hewick will likely to attract significant attention during the festival.
"Hewick is very much a fans favourite. Shark Hanlon has done very well with him and has given Hewick a worldwide tour at this stage, you’d probably find it difficult to find tickets if he went on tour for a meet and greet with Shark and Hewick,"he added
Final Orders is yet another horse that has caught Cooper's eye. He believes Final Orders could excel if he finds his rhythm,
"I also like Final Orders. He fell in the Topham at Aintree but he had won six on the bounce prior to that, won on the Flat last time out at Bellewstown off a nice mark and Galway is a jumping track, if he gets into rhythm then he is a cracking each-way bet. Gavin Cromwell’s yard is flying at the moment as well."
The Galway Races will run from Monday, July 31 to Sunday, August 6, 2023
“Cooper was speaking to BoyleSports, who are offering the latest Galway Festival odds
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