Joseph O'Brien at Galway: Risk Factor may deliver a win in closing race of first day

Joseph O'Brien
28 July 2019

Syrena is an interesting runner for Joseph on the first day of the Galway Summer Festival

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Joseph O'Brien has a big team out on day one of the Galway Summer Festival and he holds plenty with good chances. Read his thoughts on all his runners here...

"Shakespear'sgalley has progressed really well since stepping up in trip. We've been thinking for a while that this race would suit him and thankfully, he has got a good draw. Tom Hamilton takes the ride and I think everything about the race will suit him."

Opener looks tough but my runner has promise

17:20 - Winner Takes Itall

Winner Takes Itall is a lovely horse. He showed promise on the Flat last summer, but was immature at the time and he's been given plenty of time to come to himself since then. This is a tough assignment for his hurdling debut, but he has always looked like a horse with plenty of ability, so hopefully he'll show that here and run a promising race for the future.

We've had Galway in mind for this one

17:55 - Linger

Linger made a winning start for us on the Flat at Gowran Park in May and has run well in his two starts since. We've had Galway in mind for him for a while and decided not to run him over hurdles until then. He looks well-handicapped on his old form, so hopefully he can show that. All being well, he'll be one that will run again later in the week.

Syrena may go closest of my trio

19:05 - Syrena, Fancy Footings and Deira Surprise

Syrena is a tricky ride that has to be delivered as late as possible. It's been great to win twice with her this season. She has been fortunate to get a good draw and she goes into the race in great form, so granted a bit of luck, she should be on the premises at the finish again.

Fancy Footings got off the mark for us at Limerick last time and I think he's capable of winning again. However, his wide draw will make things very difficult for him around here.

Deira Surprise is a well-bred filly that only joined us from the sales a couple of weeks ago. This is a fact-finding mission with her and she looks to face a big task from her wide draw.

Everything about this race will suit Shakespear'sgalley

19:40 - Shakespear'sgalley and Chess Grand Master

Shakespear'sgalley has progressed really well since stepping up in trip. We've been thinking for a while that this race would suit him and thankfully, he has got a good draw. Tom Hamilton takes the ride and I think everything about the race will suit him. The question will be whether he has any more improvement in him after going up so much in the ratings this season, but he'll hopefully give a good account of himself.

Chess Grand Master has been acquitting himself well enough in staying handicaps of late, but he has got a horrendous draw here and that will make things very difficult for him.

Wave of the Sea could bounce back here

20:10 - A Wave Of The Sea and Millswyn

A Wave Of The Sea has shown very good progression in his career thus far. His last run in the Ulster Derby was the first backward step he has taken, but I'm happy to forgive that run as he got strung out very wide all the way. His draw isn't ideal, but this course and distance should play to his strengths. It wouldn't surprise me at all if he bounced back to form and renewed his progression with a big run.

Millswyn is a gross type of horse that takes a few runs to get him right and he has gradually run into form this season. He found Killarney to be a bit sharp for him last time, but I think this course and distance will suit him well. First-time blinkers should help sharpen him up and while he is drawn widest of all, hopefully it won't be too big of an issue with there being just 11 runners.

Strong chance in the closing race

20:40 - Risk Factor

Risk Factor is a well-bred horse that has always shown a good level of ability at home. We had hoped he would go close on his debut at Ballinrobe and he ran well to finish a close second. That experience should stand to him and that form looks to be good enough to give him a strong chance. All being well he'll be tough to beat.