Listowel is a week where there’s no rest for the liver – or the confidence! I had some luck over there and it’s a real party town for the week of the festival.
The opening day kicks off with a juvenile hurdle at 14:10. The surprise here is the fact that Chief Justice has been sent over to Ireland to race for Gordon Elliott. I was working at worcester when this horse won after his wind op and was impressed by the victory.
He is racing here in a tongue tie, which could help and they should go a good gallop which will suit. Parisian was a good winner at Roscommon and, if allowed to dictate, will beat Chief Justice.
The second race at 14:40 is a cash machine job for Wicklow Brave. He is streets above these and should not even break sweat.
Macgiloney, who goes in the 15:15, has been a little disappointing in his last couple of starts but surely he is going to be better than he’s been showing now he is up in trip. His beating of Dinons (form ties in with a few of these) in a Kilbeggan 2m 3f bumper reads well, and the trainer was on the mark in the week, so lots of positives. Percy Veer is the danger.
Robin On the Hill is the selection in the 15:45. This one unseated her rider at the 7th last time, having won previously at Wexford. She beat Aasleagh Dawn that day and could still be ahead of the handicapper. Creeping Ivy is a very interesting each-way bet in this race as Tony Martin loves to bring a few live ones here.
The Mares novice chase (16:20) could turn into a bit of a war with so much pace on. Lots of the leading contenders like to force the pace and I can see it suiting something coming from just behind. I’m going to take a chance on Synopsis here, taking on trust that this horse will be wound up after a 135-day layoff. A good winner of a chase at Thurles, was a beaten favourite at Punchestown but lots of Gordon Elliott’s were suspect at that time, so no disgrace finishing a good third that day.
Going: Flat – Good, Yielding in places. N Hunt – Good. 8 mls rain overnight. Forecast is for unsettled weather to continue. @ListowelRaces
— Listowel Races (@ListowelRaces) September 8, 2018
Ask Susan gets the nod at 16:50 as she is still fairly treated in the day’s feature race. She is a model of consistency for her handler, is carrying a lovely light weight, and has to be in the shake up.
The interesting one for me off a layoff is Deans Road and this is definitely worthy of a speculative each-way bet – this lad beat Tiger Roll in a novice and was quietly fancied in the Galway Plate won by Balko Des Flos.
The bumper to finish (17:20) is again about a Willie Mullins newcomer, Scaglietti. This one is related to a smart horse called William Henry and the market is always the best guide to some of the opposition in these races.
Head over to paddypower.com for the latest betting at Listowel