Fri 22nd Sep 2023
1.35 Listowel (18 runners)
John J. Galvin Maiden Hurdle
2m4f
Tag Man (IRE) Tag Man (IRE) has shown promising signs over hurdles, specifically with his close second to a high-class horse and consistent RPR scores. His history suggests he has a strong chance in this race, especially with the reduction in distance. The only concern might be his keen nature, but if managed well, he’s a prominent contender.
River Tara (IRE) River Tara (IRE) showcased potential in bumpers but seemed to struggle in her transition to hurdles, possibly due to fatigue or adaptation to the new race type. Her jumping skills need improvement based on her last race. While she has potential, she’ll need to overcome the challenges of her last race to be competitive. There’s room for improvement, and if she has adjusted her jumping, she could be in contention.
Fri 22nd Sep 2023
2.05 Listowel (18 runners)
Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle (Listed)
2m
Shecouldbeanything (IRE): This mare has showcased consistent performance and is coming off a dominant win at Killarney. Given her current form, she is a horse to watch closely in this race. The increased weight might be a concern, but her recent form suggests she can be competitive.
Fils D’oudairies (FR): Fils D’oudairies has been in great form and his recent Grade 3 win puts him in strong contention. The key concern is the weight he’s carrying, but his overall performance and form suggest he’s well-poised for a competitive run.
Both horses have solid chances based on their recent performances, but as always in racing, numerous variables can come into play. Shecouldbeanything and Fils D’oudairies both seem like strong contenders in this competitive field.
| Fri 22nd Sep 2023 2.40 Listowel (18 runners) Guinness Handicap Hurdle (80-95) (Div 1) 3m |
Stellar Symphony (IRE): She comes into this race in great form, having secured a win in her recent outing. Given her upward trajectory and evident capability, she stands a good chance in this race, making her a strong contender.
Meehall (IRE): Meehall has shown consistent performance and has the potential to pose a threat to competitors, especially with the switch back to hurdles. His experience over this distance and the addition of the tongue strap can enhance his performance. He should be in the mix, especially if he adapts well to the hurdle switch.
In comparison, while both have strengths, Stellar Symphony’s recent form edges her ahead slightly. However, horse racing often throws up surprises, and both these horses have shown enough promise to make a significant impact in the race.
Fri 22nd Sep 2023
3.15 Listowel (18 runners)
Guinness Handicap Hurdle (80-95) (Div 2)
3m
Mr Social (IRE) Mr Social is a horse not to be overlooked. His recent form indicates he’s in good shape, and his performances suggest he’s suited to this type of race. A contender with strong each-way prospects at the least.
Spring Street (IRE) Spring Street is in strong contention. With a recent win under similar conditions and the additional advantage of the jockey’s claim, he seems well-placed to put in a good performance. Another horse with a solid each-way shot and potential win prospects.
Both Mr Social (IRE) and Spring Street (IRE) have strong claims based on recent form and suitability to the race conditions. While it’s always challenging to predict outcomes in big field handicaps due to the myriad of variables at play, based on the data provided, both horses should be in the mix and deserve consideration when evaluating the race.
Fri 22nd Sep 2023
3.50 Listowel (17 runners)
Paud, Sarah & Mary Fitzmaurice Memorial Handicap Chase (0-109)
2m4f
Midnight It Is: He appears to be a strong contender. Being rated 16lb higher over hurdles suggests he has the ability to perform well in this race, especially when you consider his recent good showing at Wexford. He’s been competitive and might be in with a chance of improving or at least maintaining his form.
Dancing Jeremy (IRE): While Dancing Jeremy has had success in handicap hurdles and a beginners’ chase win in 2022, he hasn’t been tested in a handicap chase, and this debut presents an unknown factor. His avoidance of fences post his win in 2022 might indicate a possible concern. However, if he takes to the fences well and performs as he did in hurdles, he could be in with a shot, albeit with some reservations due to the unknown elements of his performance over fences in this context.
In comparison, Midnight It Is seems to have a more straightforward profile of form and proven ability, making him a safer pick. On the other hand, Dancing Jeremy has potential but carries a bit more risk given the uncertainties around his transition back to fences in a handicap context.
Fri 22nd Sep 2023
4.25 Listowel (12 runners)
Southampton Goodwill Plate Handicap Chase
2m1f
Fighting Fit managed to secure a surprise 33-1 win against Barnacullia at Galway, which was a career-best. The trainer believes the last win was due to being freshened up after a loss of confidence. However, a 7lb increase in weight following his last victory may challenge his ability to uphold the form. The previous performance shows this race condition could suit him, but whether he can replicate that form is uncertain. Given the tight margin of his last victory over Barnacullia, it could be closely contested again, especially with Barnacullia showing good form.
Barnacullia was a respectable second to Fighting Fit at Galway, with a small margin of loss. Since then, Barnacullia has secured a win and placed in flat races, indicating good, consistent form. He returns to chase here, where his last outing was very good. The form and conditions seem to be in favour, and the recent performances on the flat may have kept him sharp. Barnacullia seems to be in excellent form and seems to have a suitable condition to possibly turn the tables on Fighting Fit this time around, making him a strong contender for the win
| Fri 22nd Sep 2023 5.00 Listowel (9 runners) Listowel Races Supporters Club Failte Abhaile (Q.R.) Race 1m6f |
Minella Mate pulled off a 66-1 surprise in a 1m4f maiden at Galway and further demonstrated his capability with another good effort at Killarney. This horse has consistently shown strong form. The recent Galway win and subsequent performance at Killarney suggest he’s in good shape. Having already performed strongly at 1m4f and 2m1f, the 1m6f of this race seems within his comfort zone. A few of the competitors have been inconsistent or have not shown the same level of form as Minella Mate. Minella Mate is in top form, has demonstrated strong performances recently, and should be among the frontrunners in this race. He has leading claims.
Coeur Sublime is a top-class chaser when he’s performing at his best. However, he’s been inconsistent lately, with recent disappointments after a good opportunity was missed at a Grade 3 race. Despite his inconsistencies, his talent is undeniable. He won his only previous flat race in 2018. Although primarily known for his chasing skills, his win on the Flat in 2018 suggests he might be adaptable to this kind of race. While he has the talent to be a major player in this race, his recent form raises some questions. Coeur Sublime is undoubtedly a talented horse, and while he has potential to be a major contender, his recent inconsistency makes him a bit of a wild card. He’s still a leading contender in this sphere but will need to return to his best form to capitalise on his potential.
Fri 22nd Sep 2023
5.35 Listowel (11 runners)
Shanahan Power Irish EBF Mares (Pro/Am) Flat Race
2m
Mount Sinai finished third on debut at Sligo, a promising start. As a relatively untested mare, the debut performance shows promise. Not handling the track in Sligo yet still placing third indicates potential that might be realised in a different setting. The pedigree, being a half-sister to the yard’s bumper/2m3f hurdle winner Seabank Bistro, suggests a good fit for this race. The Grade 1 bumper performance of the relative hints at quality in the lineage. Mount Sinai shows potential and is likely to perform better than the Sligo debut indicated. Being open to progress and having a promising lineage, she’s one to watch closely and has a strong chance to win.
Oneforthefairgreen a moderate effort in May at Wexford, finishing seventh out of 12 on latest start. The mare had a fair third-place finish at Kilbeggan in April but seems to have lost form in the subsequent race. Without much data to go on, the mare’s suitability for this type of race is somewhat ambiguous. Oneforthefairgreen needs to bounce back from the Wexford race. Given the competition and his recent form, it might be challenging for her to be in the top spots, unless there’s a significant turnaround in performance. The market may be the best guide to her chance.
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