Listowel; The following is an analysis of the Top Two rated horses in each Listowel race, ordered chronologically, based on TimeWise total ratings.

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2.05 McSweeney Brothers Maiden Hurdle

  • Distance: 2m
  • Master Top Two (TimeWise Total):
    1. I Started A Joke (297 Total)
    2. I’ll Sort That (289 Total)

Recent Form and Supplied Comments

HorseRecent Form SummarySupplied Comments
I Started A JokeLimerick bumper winner. Subsequently ran mid-field in the Champion bumper at Cheltenham and was not disgraced in a Grade 2 bumper at Leopardstown.Lacks a recent run and hurdling experience. Is worth a market check.
I’ll Sort ThatDual bumper winner. Was second by 12 lengths in a Fairyhouse bumper in April.Easy ground is fine. Market should reveal expectations, as he has been off since April.

Spotlight Verdict

NIGHT MOON is surely capable of better than he showed when a beaten favourite at Galway and he could improve plenty for that run and softer ground. The consistent Astelia should run her race again and any market support for I Started A Joke should be noted. The two-time bumper winner I’ll Sort That is also considered, but easy ground is a worry for Wholelotofbusiness.

Assessment of Chances

HorseStrengthsWeaknesses/ConcernsSuitability
I Started A JokeStrong ability shown in bumpers, including a Limerick win and placing in Grade 2/Champion bumpers.Lack of a recent run and absence of hurdling experience.Recommended for a market check, indicating potential if fit.
I’ll Sort ThatProven dual bumper winner. Handles easy ground conditions.Has been off the track since April.Considered a contender by the spotlight.

2.40 Seamus Mulvaney Bookmaker Novice Hurdle

  • Distance: 2m
  • Master Top Two (TimeWise Total):
    1. Davy Crockett (367 Total)
    2. Sonnyboyliston (298 Total)

Recent Form and Supplied Comments

HorseRecent Form SummarySupplied Comments
Davy CrockettExciting prospect who is unbeaten (justified prohibitive odds in a Punchestown bumper and a Galway Festival novice hurdle).His classy half-brother (Mystical Power) handled soft ground well. The one to beat.
SonnyboylistonVery smart Flat performer (Ebor and Irish St Leger winner). Won a maiden hurdle here in May (16.5f).Has only run three times since 2022. Best form is on good ground, making underfoot conditions a worry.

Spotlight Verdict

Willie Mullins’ DAVY CROCKETT, an unbeaten son of Annie Power, is a very promising prospect and should be able to maintain his unblemished record. The easy ground may not be ideal for his stablemate La Note Verte or Sonnyboyliston so Captain Ryan Matt could give the selection most to think about.

Assessment of Chances

HorseStrengthsWeaknesses/ConcernsSuitability
Davy CrockettUnblemished record and highly promising prospect. Bred to handle soft ground, mitigating the yield condition risk.Will face the softest ground yet.Considered the strong favorite and the one to beat.
SonnyboylistonProven hurdles winner at this course. High level of Flat ability.Best form achieved on good ground; soft/easy underfoot conditions are a worry. Has been absent since May.Conditions may hinder performance.

3.15 Brandon Hotel Handicap Hurdle

  • Distance: 2m 2f
  • Master Top Two (TimeWise Total):
    1. Bearami Creek (231 Total)
    2. Dunany Point (228 Total)

Recent Form and Supplied Comments

HorseRecent Form SummarySupplied Comments
Bearami CreekBroke through, leaving previous handicap form behind, when winning easily at Navan four days ago (2m3f, yielding).The 7lb penalty may not be enough to stop her from following up. Question mark if the quick turnaround comes too soon.
Dunany PointWon over 20.5f at Bellewstown off a mark of 81 in April (good ground). Ran another fine race back there recently.Needs the track to dry out.

Spotlight Verdict

The manner of BEARAMI CREEK‘s breakthrough success at Navan suggested there was more to come and she may be able to follow up under a 7lb penalty. Last time out Down Royal scorer Eastmore looks the chief danger off 4lb higher, while Stonecarthy and Alright Darling both hold place claims.

Assessment of Chances

HorseStrengthsWeaknesses/ConcernsSuitability
Bearami CreekCurrent winning form and proven on yielding ground. Handicap rating hike is assessed as possibly insufficient.Running again quickly (four days since last start).Highly favoured by the spotlight to repeat her win.
Dunany PointReliable form when running on preferred ground.Prefers quick ground (good) and requires the track to dry out, making yielded ground a challenge.Conditions are likely unsuitable.

3.50 Devon Inn Dan Sheehan Memorial Handicap Hurdle

  • Distance: 3m
  • Master Top Two (TimeWise Total):
    1. Priory Park (295 Total)
    2. Duke Silver (292 Total)

Recent Form and Supplied Comments

HorseRecent Form SummarySupplied Comments
Priory ParkReturned to hurdling and scored readily on recent stable debut at Ballinrobe. Won a 3m2f Limerick handicap chase previously.Can remain competitive off 7lb higher, with the same talented 7lb claimer up. Has been pulled up on previous outings (one time due to coughing).
Duke SilverHas only one win from 15 hurdle starts. Two most recent outings are encouraging, and he has much the same chance as Bitofajokelike based on their Galway running.Needs to overcome a poor overall hurdle win ratio.

Spotlight Verdict

Eric McNamara has last year’s winner Donkey Years in the line-up again, but is more likely to hit the target with BITOFAJOKELIKE (nap), who has a slight edge over Duke Silver on running in a Galway race which has worked out well. Wide-margin Wexford winner Tackletommywoowoo has a definite chance despite a big hike in the ratings. Koori Star has run well when fresh and has prospects on last season’s handicap form.

Assessment of Chances

HorseStrengthsWeaknesses/ConcernsSuitability
Priory ParkResponded well to the return to hurdles and stable change. Claimer significantly offsets the 7lb rise.History of inconsistent performance, including being pulled up.Expected to remain competitive at this level.
Duke SilverRecent form is strong and competitive with the predicted winner (Bitofajokelike).Overall hurdle record is modest (1 win from 15 starts).Seems highly suited to the conditions based on recent comparable performance.

4.23 Guinness Kerry National Handicap Chase (Grade 3)

  • Distance: 2m 7f 180y (3m)
  • Master Top Two (TimeWise Total):
    1. Shecouldbeanything (368 Total)
    2. You Oughta Know (363 Total)

Recent Form and Supplied Comments

HorseRecent Form SummarySupplied Comments
ShecouldbeanythingFour-time chase winner, including a Grade 3 success. Put in a fine effort when third (at 33-1) in the Galway Plate.Capable of another big run. Expected to uphold form over multiple rivals.
You Oughta KnowHacked up at Wexford last month. Previously beaten by rival Anyway in June.Form is hard to evaluate due to the nature of the Wexford win. Riding plans (Paul Townend booked) point to a leading chance.

Spotlight Verdict

An early casualty when one of the main fancies for the Galway Plate, ANYWAY has the potential to land a big pot judged on his second placing in a novice handicap at last season’s Cheltenham Festival. Long-priced Galway Plate third Shecouldbeanything may uphold form with Sea Music, Three Card Brag and Thecompanysergeant. Paul Townend rides You Oughta Know, but stablemate Spanish Harlem arguably has stronger credentials.

Assessment of Chances

HorseStrengthsWeaknesses/ConcernsSuitability
ShecouldbeanythingProven graded success and recently showed top-level handicap ability (3rd Galway Plate). Jockey retained, indicating confidence.Did not perform well in the Irish Grand National (remote 7th) or when distant third at Cheltenham.Highly capable over this distance and level.
You Oughta KnowChosen mount of Paul Townend, suggesting high stable confidence. Recent win suggests improved form.Form is questionable due to the ease of his last win. Stablemate Spanish Harlem is considered by the spotlight to have stronger credentials.Riding plans indicate leading chance.

4.58 Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa Mares Novice Chase

  • Distance: 2m 3f 100y (2m3½f)
  • Master Top Two (TimeWise Total):
    1. Mystical Goddess (299 Total)
    2. Cloonainra (296 Total)

Recent Form and Supplied Comments

HorseRecent Form SummarySupplied Comments
Mystical GoddessPoint-to-point and maiden hurdle winner. Beaten 30l in the Grade 2 mares’ novice at Cheltenham (last seen in March).In good hands (H De Bromhead) and bred for chasing. Dangerous to dismiss.
CloonainraPoint-to-point winner and 120-rated hurdler. Solid effort in a Punchestown handicap hurdle when last seen in April.Makes chasing debut. Has gone well fresh before.

Spotlight Verdict

This revolves around Zenta. She is undoubtedly the most talented mare in the race but given that she has been pulled up in two of her last three starts, she might be worth taking on. The one that appeals most is ENJOY THE DREAM who gained a confidence-boosting win at Tramore last time. Me Wee Bonnie Lass and Mystical Goddess could prove to be the main dangers.

Assessment of Chances

HorseStrengthsWeaknesses/ConcernsSuitability
Mystical GoddessExcellent breeding for the discipline. Noted as a main danger by the spotlight.Absent since March. Previous Grade 2 attempt resulted in a heavy defeat.Bred for the chase game.
CloonainraHigh hurdling rating (120) and point-to-point experience suggest talent and stamina. Runs well fresh.First chase start.Not dismissed, offering potential on debut.

5.33 Listowel Vintners Association INH Flat Race

  • Distance: 2m 4f
  • Master Top Two (TimeWise Total):
    1. Ring Of Kerry (245 Total)
    2. Apache Tribe (239 Total)

Recent Form and Supplied Comments

HorseRecent Form SummarySupplied Comments
Ring Of KerryPortrush maiden point-to-point winner in March (yielding). Finished ninth on bumper debut at Galway, about 7l behind Apache Tribe.May improve from his Galway run. Patrick Mullins booked.
Apache TribeOldtown point-to-point winner in February. Finished fifth on bumper debut at Galway.Can build on a solid bumper debut. Holds a realistic chance of confirming form with Ring Of Kerry and Poetic Glory.

Spotlight Verdict

Poetic Glory… failed to shine and ended up in tenth place but could now pose a serious threat to APACHE TRIBE, fifth in that race, confirming the promise of a point win in February. Debut point winner Ring Of Kerry may improve from his Galway run. Mickey Hulie is another to consider.

Assessment of Chances

HorseStrengthsWeaknesses/ConcernsSuitability
Ring Of KerryProven point winner on yielding ground. High-profile jockey booking (P Mullins). Expected to improve from a sub-par bumper debut.Finished behind Apache Tribe on bumper debut.Suitable for the trip, with potential for improvement.
Apache TribeConfirmed point winner. Showed solid form on bumper debut (5th) in a relevant race.None explicit; chance relies on building slightly on his debut form.Expected to confirm previous promise and form against rivals.

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