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Vastonea ridden by Gary Halpin (right) races to the finish to win the Topaz Mile Handicap during day two of the Galway Festival. PA Archive/Press Association Images
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Our 5/1 tip for the Galway Races today

We’ll be keeping a close eye on the 5.10pm at Ballybrit this evening.

WILLIE MULLINS WILL be hoping to win the first race for the fourth time this week as he runs Rupert Lamb in the Handicap Hurdle, but he will have his work cut out for him in a very competitive field for Friday’s opener.

Mullins was denied four successive opening-race wins yesterday when As De Ferbet was beaten by Shantou Flyer and will be determined to get off to a flying start to day-five.

Nine-year old Ruper Lamb is 6/1 and hasn’t won for almost two years but with an ease in the ground to suit and the fact he’s well treated on his best form over fences, Mullins has very right to fancy his chances. Although he hasn’t won, he has put in some decent performances recently. On his last trip over hurdles, he jumped well and finished a close third behind one of today’s rival’s Tempo Mac.

The Gordon Elliot-trained Tempo Mac has looked good recently, beating Rupert Lamb at Bellewstown and winning winning the Clonmel Races Handicap Hurdle in good style back in June when he ran out a two and a half length winner. Paul Carberry’s mount is up another seven pounds now and is currently priced at 7/1.

The ‘King of Ballybrit’ Dermot Weld will be another trainer looking to get off to a good start on day-five. He famously notched up 17 winners at the 2011 festival and is hoping he can win his 29th leading trainer title this week. His hopes in the first race of the day rest on 6/1 shot Tandem.

Tandem has some solid potential and could be nicely handicapped if he gets up the hill for Davy Russell. He has won in the past at Galway and finished third over hurdles last year, so he has some form on this track.

But our pick is Riviera Sun, who has just gone favourite at 5/1. He has been in fine form in the novices and showed decent stamina in his recent win over further at Roscommon, which will stand to him.

It’s been a good week for Henry de Bromhead already, with Sizing Platinum striking gold in the Guinness Harp Novice Chase and Shanahan’s Turn winning the Plate on Wednesday. We think Riviera Sun is an interesting back and can be another win for the trainer under Barry Geraghty.

Tip– Riviera Sun in the 5.10 at 5/1. 

Who are you backing on day-five? 

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