Wednesday 25th September
By SP2A Analysis
Listowel 3.45 Handicap Hurdle - 3 miles - 18 run - Good to Yielding (rain)
Coole Cherry and Como Park from powerhouse yards head the market and are worthy favourites, I can't really split them but conditions may not be ideal by the off time, so I'll look for more exposed and experienced types with proven stamina and who might relish the edge being taken off the speedier types in softening ground.
I really do like the chances of MACGILONEY here, solid and consistent over hurdles and fences and off a competitive Hurdle mark, DONKEY YEARS is another who has solid and consistent form and is very capable of running a place.
Of the more exposed types Mossy Fen would be my 3rd best rated and of the less experienced types a smaller stake than on the top pair on the 5 year old KILKEE BAY may pay a nice return with cheek-pieces added to just settle the horse better. (MG)
Listowel 4.20 - Kerry National - 3 miles - 18 run - Good to Yielding (rain)
At the top end of the market are the Cromwell pair Percival Legallois and Flooring Porter whose Hurdle form has yet to be transferred conclusively to Chase fences and in the case of Flooring Porter this is its first Handicap Chase attempt, I can take both on in the likely conditions and also the step up in trip may not suit Zanahiyr or Chemical Energy, both Elliott types, the latter faded into 6th in this race last year. Dsrertmore House the winner that day returns to defend off 9lbs higher and a 213 days off so is also opposable.
The longer i looked the more i liked a couple of other Elliott runners, HURRICANE GEORGE is an improving 7 year old who has a shout off a mark of 141 and THE GOFFER who was a staying on 5th in this race last year and who is still only a 7 year old and is 6lbs lower than last year and any rain would not be harming its chances here at all.
(Sean)