Listowel Race Schedule (Chronological Order)
1.23 John J. Galvin Maiden Hurdle
2m2f, Yielding, 5yo+, Win: £7168
| Rank | Horse (Age) | TimeWise Total | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nadias Boy (5) | 315 | 2.00 |
| 2 | Frankie John (5) | 291 | 2.75 |
Recent Form and Supplied Comments:
- Nadias Boy (315): The 5yo won his sole point start. Under Rules, he made an immediate impact by winning a Kilbeggan bumper (2m, good) in June. Although that bumper was noted as “not the strongest,” the runner-up has performed well since. Given his connections, he is of obvious interest. (LR: 77, 2LR: 0, 3LR: 0).
- Frankie John (291): This 5yo was a Boulta point winner before being purchased for 275,000GBP at Cheltenham in December. He achieved creditable runs in his first two bumpers before winning a Galway festival bumper (2m2f, good) by 2.5l last time. This is considered the best form demonstrated in the race. (LR: 90, 2LR: 30, 3LR: 14).
Spotlight Verdict:
This looks like a three-horse race on form, with preference given to FRANKIE JOHN following his Galway festival bumper success. It is advisable not to discount a Mullins’ runner like Nadia’s Boy, even though the bumper she won was not the strongest. Wholelotofbusiness has gone very close in recent runs over hurdles this term and should be involved again. Market scrutiny is recommended for Deanery Charlie, who is dropped in class for his second start.
Race Statistics:
- Age Groups: 5yo: 1 win, 1 place, 5 runners; 6yo: 0 wins, 1 place, 6 runners; 7yo: 0 wins, 0 places, 4 runners; 8yo: 0 wins, 0 places, 1 runner.
- Trainers in this Race (w-pl-r): W P Mullins: 1 win, 1 place, 2 runners.
- Fate of Favourites (FATE OF FAVOURITES): Not supplied in the source material.
Assessment of Master Top Two Chances:
- Nadias Boy (315): Strengths: Highest overall rating, recent bumper winner. Weaknesses: Form might be slightly below the highest level required (bumper not the strongest). Suitability: Has won on good ground.
- Frankie John (291): Strengths: Possesses the best disclosed form in the race, having won a prestigious festival bumper. Proven ability over the distance (2m2f) and commands high market respect (275,000GBP purchase). Weaknesses: Lower TimeWise rating compared to Nadias Boy. Suitability: Good ground winner.
1.58 MCG Ladies Handicap Hurdle
2m2f, Yielding, 4yo+, Win: £7168
| Rank | Horse (Age) | TimeWise Total | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Union Park (9) | 245 | 21.00 |
| 2 | Give Him A Chance (6) | 243 | 6.00 |
Recent Form and Supplied Comments:
- Union Park (245): A 9yo who is a two-time winner in this sphere and is rated 16lb lower over hurdles compared to his previous mark. He failed to capitalize on a lower mark in his last two starts at Punchestown and Cork. He returns needing to be at his best. (LR: 66, 2LR: 36, 3LR: 24).
- Give Him A Chance (243): This 6yo won at Kilbeggan in June off a mark of 89 and followed up on his most recent start at the same track, staying on to win by a head. He is up 7lb for that success but is regarded as a likeable sort. (LR: 91, 2LR: 28, 3LR: 21).
Spotlight Verdict:
Maiden hurdle winner HALF A CHANCE narrowly failed to win at Downpatrick a week ago and is selected to win off just 2lb higher, provided the race does not come too quickly. King In Love is dangerously weighted if bouncing back from a 139-day break, as he is dropping in class. Give Him A Chance, a last-time-out winner, should also be thereabouts off 7lb higher.
Race Statistics:
- Race Class: Listed Race / Group 3 (per excerpt headers).
- Age Groups / Fate of Favourites / Trainers: Not supplied in the source material.
Assessment of Master Top Two Chances:
- Union Park (245): Strengths: Highest rated in the race, running off a significantly lower mark than his peak hurdles rating (16lb lower). Weaknesses: Recent form has been poor, and a revival is needed.
- Give Him A Chance (243): Strengths: Excellent recent form, having won last time out. A likeable sort who should be competitive despite a penalty. Weaknesses: The 7lb rise for his last win makes this task harder.
2.33 Trant Goodwill Stakes Handicap Hurdle (0-100)
2m, Yielding, 4yo+, Win: £6105
| Rank | Horse (Age) | TimeWise Total | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Inchiquin Maid (6) | 231 | 4.50 |
| 2 | Tea It Is (8) | 219 | 5.50 |
Recent Form and Supplied Comments:
- Inchiquin Maid (231): The 6yo is an AW winner who recently placed in two of her last three Flat starts. On her last hurdles start at Limerick, she went close off her current mark. She has recently joined a new yard. Weakness: The lack of a recent run is a concern. (LR: 70, 2LR: 26, 3LR: 17).
- Tea It Is (219): An 8yo who is 0-14 over hurdles but has been running competitively, not being beaten far in her last three starts, all on good ground. Her chance improves if the track dries out. (LR: 62, 2LR: 32, 3LR: 17).
Spotlight Verdict:
While Mount Ferns, last year’s winner, is 8lb higher and returns from a lay-off, a chance is taken on EYEEYE. He has demonstrated enough ability to win a race, and the drop into 0-100 company could be beneficial. Tea It Is would benefit from a drying track. Regards To Rose and Shing Shilla are also noted contenders.
Race Statistics:
- Race Class: Group 2 (per excerpt header).
- Age Groups / Fate of Favourites / Trainers: Not supplied in the source material.
Assessment of Master Top Two Chances:
- Inchiquin Maid (231): Strengths: Highest TimeWise rating. Has performed well previously off this exact mark over hurdles. Recent good Flat form suggests fitness. Weaknesses: Lack of a recent run is a concern.
- Tea It Is (219): Strengths: Consistent recent efforts (not beaten far). If the track dries out, her chance increases significantly. Weaknesses: Has yet to win over hurdles (0-14). The current yielding ground may not be ideal.
3.08 William Hill Each Way Extra Handicap Hurdle (Listed)
2m, Yielding, 5yo+, Win: £53097
| Rank | Horse (Age) | TimeWise Total | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Casheldale Lad (5) | 353 | 5.50 |
| 2 | Lord Erskine (12) | 351 | 11.00 |
Recent Form and Supplied Comments:
- Casheldale Lad (353): Did well winning a Punchestown festival novice hurdle. He followed up with a very positive 5.75l third in the Galway Hurdle. He was raised only 2lb for that effort and is rated a big player. (LR: 123, 2LR: 48, 3LR: 20).
- Lord Erskine (351): This 12yo veteran has looked as good as ever, winning a big hurdles pot at Fairyhouse and following up on the Flat at Killarney. He finished a credible seventh in the Galway Hurdle on quick ground. He then bagged another win at Galway (2m5f). He will be suited by the ground conditions. (LR: 103, 2LR: 47, 3LR: 27).
Spotlight Verdict:
It was a huge performance by CASHELDALE LAD to finish third in the Galway Hurdle on only his fifth hurdle start, and he is capable of defying top weight. Come On The Lads, the Galway festival Tribes winner, is greatly feared, as he looked capable off his revised mark. The veteran Lord Erskine has looked as good as ever and will appreciate the ground. Sequoiaspirit might offer each-way value.
Race Statistics:
- Fate of Favourites (FATE OF FAVOURITES): 4 wins, 4 places, 12 runs.
- Trainers in this Race (w-pl-r): Gordon Elliott: 0 wins, 3 places, 17 runners; Gavin Cromwell: 0 wins, 1 place, 5 runners; H Rogers: 0 wins, 1 place, 1 runner.
Assessment of Master Top Two Chances:
- Casheldale Lad (353): Strengths: Top Master rating, carries weight well given recent high-level form. Only penalized 2lb for the Galway Hurdle effort. Weaknesses: None obvious, consistently strong on recent form. Suitability: Well suited to yielding ground.
- Lord Erskine (351): Strengths: Excellent recent form, winning big pots. Experienced veteran who will appreciate the yielding ground. Weaknesses: Aged 12. His most recent win may have been flattered.
3.43 Guinness Listowel Mares Handicap Hurdle (0-100)
2m6f, Yielding, 4yo+, Win: £6105
| Rank | Horse (Age) | TimeWise Total | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fire Coral (6) | 267 | 5.00 |
| 2 | Jetaway Nana (5) | 264 | 6.00 |
Recent Form and Supplied Comments:
- Fire Coral (267): A hat-trick seeker who handled a 6lb rise easily following her Downpatrick win, subsequently following up at Down Royal (3m, good to firm). She is raised another 7lb for the 2.5l success and is expected to go well again. Weakness: She would prefer if the ground was not too soft. (LR: 86, 2LR: 38, 3LR: 17).
- Jetaway Nana (264): The 5yo got off the mark on her fifth attempt over hurdles in a 3m Wexford maiden. She is making her handicap debut and drops in trip. She seems ground versatile and could go well. (LR: 85, 2LR: 26, 3LR: 16).
Spotlight Verdict:
While hat-trick seeker Fire Coral is in good form, easy ground might not suit her. Maiden winners Jetaway Nana and Nothing Hectic are respected on their handicap debuts. Preference is for MUSIC OF LIFE, who ran impressively on her stable debut here recently, is bred to stay, and will appreciate the ground. Whatyouwant, Bayou Belle, and Ladies Well also hold claims.
Race Statistics:
- Race Class: Listed Race (per excerpt header).
- Age Groups / Fate of Favourites / Trainers: Not supplied in the source material.
Assessment of Master Top Two Chances:
- Fire Coral (267): Strengths: Top Master rating, highly in-form (seeking hat-trick). Proven over similar distances. Weaknesses: Carries a cumulative 13lb increase from her initial winning mark. Her preferred ground (good/good to firm) conflicts with the current yielding conditions.
- Jetaway Nana (264): Strengths: Recent maiden winner, ground versatile and unexposed on handicap debut. Weaknesses: Unproven in handicap company and drops in distance from her maiden win.
4.18 Paud, Sarah & Mary Fitzmaurice Memorial Handicap Chase
2m3½f, Yielding, 4yo+, Win: £6903
| Rank | Horse (Age) | TimeWise Total | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gabriel Ranger (6) | 258 | 9.00 |
| 2 | Paul Collins (5) | 248 | 9.00 |
Recent Form and Supplied Comments:
- Gabriel Ranger (258): Won off 4lb lower at Killarney in May on yielding ground. His two subsequent runs on good ground were not as good. His chances are improved by the return to an easier surface. (LR: 87, 2LR: 30, 3LR: 22).
- Paul Collins (248): He has been performing well over hurdles, including a 5l fourth at the Galway festival. He handles easy ground, and the booking of Mr Derek O’Connor for his chase debut is eye-catching, suggesting he could go well. (LR: 84, 2LR: 34, 3LR: 15).
Spotlight Verdict:
With Cahirdown Boy lacking a recent run, GAELIC DES CHASTYS is tipped to turn the tables on his stablemate. A Nod To Getaway, who recently beat Gaelic Des Chastys, is feared. Ceroc and Newtown Rambler are also worth considering.
Race Statistics:
- Age Groups: 5yo: 0 wins, 0 places, 1 runner; 6yo: 0 wins, 0 places, 1 runner; 7yo: 0 wins, 0 places, 2 runners; 8yo: 0 wins, 2 places, 6 runners; 9yo: 1 win, 0 places, 3 runners; 10yo: 0 wins, 1 place, 3 runners.
- Trainers in this Race (w-pl-r): E McNamara: 1 win, 1 place, 2 runners.
- Fate of Favourites (FATE OF FAVOURITES): Not supplied in the source material.
Assessment of Master Top Two Chances:
- Gabriel Ranger (258): Strengths: Top Master rating, previous winner on yielding ground at a slightly lower weight. Return to yielding ground is favourable. Weaknesses: Recent form has been inconsistent on quicker ground.
- Paul Collins (248): Strengths: Good hurdles form and handles the yielding ground. Has an eye-catching amateur jockey booking. Weaknesses: Makes chase debut.
4.52 Shanahan Power Irish EBF Mares (Pro/Am) Flat Race
2m, Yielding, 4yo+, Win: £6372
| Rank | Horse (Age) | TimeWise Total | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Celestial Tune (4) | 234 | 3.25 |
| 2 | Are You Around (4) | 213 | 4.00 |
Recent Form and Supplied Comments:
- Celestial Tune (234): Had a “big run” finishing second at 50-1 odds at the Punchestown festival five months ago. The form of that race has been boosted, with the fourth and fifth placed horses winning multiple races subsequently. She is identified as the one to beat if returning fit after her break. (LR: 73, 2LR: 19, 3LR: 0).
- Are You Around (213): A Walk In The Park filly. She was beaten despite being sent off at short odds on debut at Wexford for a top yard (W Mullins) but was not far behind the winner. It is considered too soon to write her off. (LR: 59, 2LR: 0, 3LR: 0).
Spotlight Verdict:
CELESTIAL TUNE (nap) looks the one to beat, building on her fine Punchestown second in April. Are You Around must be considered despite being a beaten favourite on debut. The point-to-point winner Lennon Grove is respected. Voladora Nora and Isdistheone could be good value at longer odds. The well-bred Tumbling In requires monitoring in the market.
Race Statistics:
- Age Groups: 4yo: 2 wins, 2 places, 15 runners; 5yo: 1 win, 4 places, 19 runners; 6yo: 0 wins, 0 places, 4 runners.
- Fate of Favourites (FATE OF FAVOURITES): 2 wins, 3 places, 1 runs.
- Trainers in this Race (w-pl-r): Thomas Cooper: 1 win, 0 places, 1 runner; Eoin Christopher McCarthy: 0 wins, 1 place, 1 runner; W P Mullins: 0 wins, 1 place, 1 runner.
Assessment of Master Top Two Chances:
- Celestial Tune (234): Strengths: Top Master rating and outstanding form based on her Punchestown festival run, which has been highly franked. Weaknesses: Returns from a five-month absence.
- Are You Around (213): Strengths: Represents a powerful yard (W. Mullins) and ran well on debut, indicating potential. Weaknesses: Was beaten as the short-priced favourite on debut.
5.25 Listowel Races Supporters Club Failte Abhaile (Q.R.) Race
1m6f, Yielding, 4yo+, Win: £8230
| Rank | Horse (Age) | TimeWise Total | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jetara (7) | 333 | 11.00 |
| 2 | Lark In The Mornin (5) | 310 | 4.33 |
Recent Form and Supplied Comments:
- Jetara (333): A smart staying hurdler who won a 3m Grade 2 race last season and placed in two Grade 1 events. She won a Curragh maiden (1m4f) on her first Flat run last autumn. She was unfancied and tailed off in a Galway festival Listed race earlier this month, but is expected to improve with that run under her belt. (LR: 66, 2LR: 58, 3LR: 32).
- Lark In The Mornin (310): Known for winning the 2024 Fred Winter at Cheltenham. He won on his Flat debut at Listowel in 2022 and recently won an amateur race at Bellewstown. He is considered a leading contender who likes this track. Weakness: He was beaten by Sorrentino here in June and is now 4lb worse off. (LR: 95, 2LR: 35, 3LR: 20).
Spotlight Verdict:
The selection is the Mullins’ runner SORRENTINO, who has been narrowly beaten in two recent similar events, including when finishing ahead of Lark In The Mornin here in June, and he is now 4lb better off with that rival. Jetara is an intriguing contender who may improve significantly following her recent moderate run in a Galway festival Listed event.
Race Statistics:
- Age Groups: 4yo+ 8 wins, 15 places, 82 runners.
- Fate of Favourites (FATE OF FAVOURITES): 1 win, 1 place, 1 runs.
- Trainers in this Race (w-pl-r): W P Mullins: 4 wins, 1 place, 6 runners; John C McConnell: 1 win, 0 places, 2 runners; Mrs John Harrington: 1 win, 2 places, 4 runners; A J Martin: 0 wins, 1 place, 1 runner; David Kenneth Budds: 0 wins, 1 place, 1 runner; John J Nallen: 0 wins, 1 place, 1 runner.
Assessment of Master Top Two Chances:
- Jetara (333): Strengths: Highest Master rating, Grade 1 class over hurdles, capable of much better performance given her previous Flat win. Weaknesses: Showed very little in her recent competitive Flat run at Galway.
- Lark In The Mornin (310): Strengths: Proven course form and recent Flat winner. Considered a leading contender. Weaknesses: Handicapping disadvantage (4lb worse off) compared to rival Sorrentino, who beat him previously here.
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