Willie Mullins is seeking a record-extending seventh Galway Hurdle victory.
The 20-time Irish champion trainer runs five in Thursday's feature event and Murcia (13/2) is his biggest chance of scooping the €159,030 winning prize, at least where the betting is concerned.
She was a Grade 1-winning juvenile hurdler but has so far failed to deliver on that promise, winning just once in eight subsequent starts. Her scattergun record does, however, mean that she is now down to a mark of 138 - one that she might be capable of defying under Paul Townend.
Not one to let a big pot pass without throwing his hat into the ring, Gordon Elliott saddles the hot favourite El Cairos (9/2), who is embarking on somewhat of a retrieval mission following his disappointing end to the season.
The six-year-old looked a mighty prospect before coming down at the last at Leopardstown over Christmas but has flattered to deceive in latter efforts, ending his season a well beaten fourth at the Punchestown Festival.
Elliott won't just rely on one, though. Ndaawi (12/1) -- winner of the race last year -- will be joined by stablemates Casheldale Lad (16/1) and Barbizon (50/1), who both hold outside claims.
Joseph O'Brien's impressive training operation is going from strength to strength and his contender Puturhandstogether (7/1) now has Harry Cobden onboard due to his blossoming association with JP McManus. Winner of both a Fred Winter and Irish Cesarewitch, he's been an absolute star for connections.
Galway Hurdle betting odds
(Odds will display when market is available)
Any odds displayed were correct at the time of writing and are subject to fluctuation.
