John McGuire Handicap

Five-time winner; won a 1m5f amateur event here in 2023; two wins since then have come at the Galway races, including last time when a 5l winner of a conditions race (1m6f, yielding); his run at the Curragh prior was underwhelming when well beaten off 97; soft ground is a plus but needs to show he can do it away from Ballybrit.

Four-time winner but last win came two years ago; however, went close at Ballinrobe last time when stepped back up in trip to 1m5f and many of his better efforts have come on softer ground so this should be up his alley; interesting.

Very useful dual-purpose performer took third in the Irish Lincolnshire this year off 94 (1m, soft); took a conditions hurdle immediately after but below his best back on the Flat following that at the Curragh and in a Grade 3 hurdle at Tipperary; comfortable winner of a two-runner hurdle at Cork last time; won't mind conditions underfoot.

6-38 with three of those coming at Galway; some moderate runs since winning there in September last year but won at Roscommon last time with 1.75l back to Granite Bay; that was just his second run over 8.5f, so there could be more improvement in him; must overcome 6lb rise but ground in his favour.

Bagged third win of his career when winning at this festival last year (1m6f, yielding); no wins since but some decent efforts in defeat including when 1.75l behind Clear Quartz at Roscommon last time (1m4f, soft); can go well again.