UK Horse Racing Tips: Listowel

THE SHORT GO faces some rivals with smart bumper form but may be able to make his jumping experience tell. The Fame and Glory gelding was third on debut at Naas just before Christmas and then bumped into Albert Bartlett winner The Nice Guy when second at the same venue the following month. He was keen that day and the drop back from 2m3f may suit him on this seasonal debut. The Model Kingdom was unbeaten in three mares' bumpers, including Listed and Grade 3 contests, last term and is a nice prospect for hurdling. She was last seen finishing second in a Flat maiden at Roscommon in May. No Risk No Fun has won bumpers at Wexford and Galway in good style and his trainer has sent out plenty of winners already at the Harvest Festival. Neigh Botha joined Gordon Elliott after winning at Musselburgh in February and is another hurdling debutant to note.
Prediction : 1st The Short Go 2nd The Model Kingdom 3rd No Risk No Fun

AMIR KABIR, a three-time winner at trips up to 1m6f for Roger Charlton, may reverse Galway form with Flaming Moon. Having won on hurdling debut at Roscommon, a final flight mistake proved costly when he went down by half a length at Ballybrit and a 4lb pull at the weights can see him turn around form with the winner. Flaming Moon, very useful at around 1m on the level, got a canny front-running ride and just held on at Galway. He has a bit more jumping experience than the selection and should go well again. Kilbeggan bumper winner Uncle Phil was workmanlike when winning at Killarney but is likely to be better for the jumping experience gained on that hurdling bow. Ted Hastings has been doing well in small field contests across the water but this will take more winning.
Prediction : 1st Amir Kabir 2nd Flaming Moon 3rd Uncle Phil

SHOOT FIRST is one of several progressive stayers in the line-up and gets the vote. Off the mark on his fourth start over hurdles at Tipperary in June, he met some trouble in running at a crucial stage before staying on strongly to be second to the in-form Rock Road in a Galway festival handicap. He's now 5lb higher but stepping up in trip from 2m6f can bring about further improvement. Noble Birth was a place behind the selection at Galway and went on to win cosily over 3m1f at Ballinrobe. Kieren Buckley's claim negates most of his 6lb rise. Connections have found the right trip for Perceval Legallois who followed up an easy maiden win at Wexford with a narrow defeat at Galway and he's another going the right way. Wild Hunt is ground versatile and was highly progressive in the spring but a six-month layoff is a concern and he's entitled to come on for this reappearance.
Prediction : 1st Shoot First 2nd Noble Birth 3rd Perceval Legallois

On ratings this should be straightforward for Darrens Hope. However, she is better over further and may need this run returning from a short break. INFLUENTIAL LADY is race fit and has been ultra-consistent of late. The versatile eight-year-old was an easy winner at Tramore on her most recent start over fences, coming home nine-and-a-half lengths clear of Hollymount. That one since gave the form a boost by finishing a fine second here on Sunday. The selection was last seen over flights at Ballinrobe and while she ultimately couldn't reel in the front-running Kitty Galore, she did go 11 lengths clear of the third. Motown Maggie was fifth in that Ballinrobe contest and warrants respect here with Davy Russell aboard, while Hope Des Blins and Optional Mix are other leading contenders.
Prediction : 1st Influential Lady 2nd Darrens Hope 3rd Hope Des Blins

Joseph O'Brien claimed this prize 12 months ago and saddles a six-strong team as he aims for back-to-back wins. Galway form is key when trying to solve this ultra-competitive puzzle, with no less than 15 of the 18 set to take part, running in either the Plate or the Blazers at Ballybrit. BUSSELTON, one of the O'Brien sextet, was second in the Blazers and might be able to go a place better now, stepping up to three miles for the very first time. He won at the Harvest Festival last year and did little wrong when finding just Gabbys Cross too good at Galway. That rival reopposes now but there is a 4lb swing in the weights, with blinkers redeployed on the selection for the first time since April of 2021. In truth, a case can be made for the entire field. Hewick bids to complete a famous double after winning the Galway Plate last month and the tough seven-year-old is given second preference despite having to contend with top-weight. Darasso and El Barra were second and third in the Plate and they both warrant respect, as does Midlands National winner Hurricane Georgie, with her rider Michael O'Sullivan claiming a valuable 7lb. A Wave Of The Sea was a fine sixth in last year's renewal and has solid each-way claims, while first reserve Rock Road would be of definite interest if getting a run.
Prediction : 1st Busselton 2nd Hewick 3rd A Wave Of The Sea

LIFE IN THE PARK has always looked a chaser in the making and should have a bright future in this discipline. He was in good form over hurdles at the end of last season as he hacked up by 17 lengths in an Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle at Tramore before winning the final of that series in Punchestown. He has won off a break before and enjoys decent ground. He was an unlucky loser of his point-to-point after coming down at the last when well clear. Bardenstown Lad is another very notable chasing debutant. He won four times over hurdles and was third in the Grade 1 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival which saw him reach a mark of 142. He has a point-to-point success in his locker and his chance is greatly respected. Good Time Jonny was rated 146 before coming home ninth in the aforementioned Albert Bartlett. He won three times over flights including a Grade B handicap hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival. He makes this a high quality beginners' chase.
Prediction : 1st Life In The Park 2nd Bardenstown Lad 3rd Good Time Jonny

ALL THE OTHERS is a half-brother to a six-time winner who was successful on his bumper debut. The champion trainer takes the wraps off him and he ought to be on the premises. West Clare put in a good shift to be fifth in a Galway bumper that has thrown up several winners. That brings him into contention and Jamie Codd is a notable booking. Silver Gazette made headway to chase the leaders in Cork where he clipped heels and slipped up. He could get in the mix. Glendars Mahler was unlucky in two maiden hurdles and could show up well. Song For My Father has shown enough in two starts to warrant a mention.
Prediction : 1st All The Others 2nd West Clare 3rd Silver Gazette