UK Horse Racing Tips: Listowel

SILENT APPROACH should prove very difficult to beat if reproducing her recent Killarney effort. On that occasion, the Con O'Keeffe-trained mare belied odds of 40/1 when keeping on strongly to finish third in a Listed Hurdle. Meeting nothing like that calibre of opposition here, it would be disappointing if she failed to get her head in front. Tramore bumper winner Katie Tay wasn't able for a step up in class at Gowran Park subsequently but with another winter on her back she should be a stronger mare now. Michael Hourigan likes nothing better than a winner at this meeting, so it would be no surprise to see Winning Mischief run well for one of his oldest patrons, Denis Reddan. The lightly raced six-year-old showed definite promise when fourth at Tipperary last month.
Prediction : 1st Silent Approach 2nd Katie Tay 3rd Winning Mischief

Despite failing to justify favouritism at Killarney last month, MORNING SOLDIER is afforded another opportunity to win for the first time over hurdles. A former Dundalk victor on the Flat, the Tom Mullins-trained gelding has some strong form since switching codes. With a handicap mark of 121, he really should be beating the level of opposition he encounters in this race. Humanitarian, who has posted a couple of good runs since joining the Shark Hanlon yard in February, is one that could pose a big threat. Twice a winner when trained on the level by Stuart Williams in the UK, the seven-year-old has a rating that gives him every chance. Mister Wilson has reached the frame on all three starts since returning from a break, so, he too, can make his presence felt in a competitive heat.
Prediction : 1st Morning Soldier 2nd Humanitarian 3rd Mister Wilson

A big run could be forthcoming from RED BALL OF FIRE in the first-time blinkers. She made a more than satisfactory return to action, after more than six months off, when keeping on well for third on the Flat in Sligo. She has won twice before over hurdles and Daniel King claims 5lb. Inchiquin Star is dangerous. She chased home a gambled-on favourite in Tipperary and was well clear of the remainder. Hi Ski was game off the front to score in Tipperary and could have more to offer off 5lb higher. She may not get an easy lead here, though. Bint Freya has been placed on her last two starts and can get involved. Milajess was a fair second in Clonmel, but that was on soft ground.
Prediction : 1st Red Ball Of Fire 2nd Inchiquin Star 3rd Hi Ski

GRANGE WALK is rated some 30lb lower over hurdles than fences. He tried to exploit that disparity at Clonmel, but went down by a length to the winner. The horse that beat him followed up in Wexford to boost the form. Glan was noted staying on for fifth in a high-quality handicap at Killarney last month. Danny Gilligan's 7lb claim is proving to be a major bonus. Bal De Rio has won three of his last six hurdle races. He should be one of the main protagonists. Mica Malpic hasn't been out since the end of October. In addition, this is only his second crack at hurdles having been extensively campaigned over fences including when winning here on his penultimate start. This trip could be on the sharp side for him.
Prediction : 1st Grange Walk 2nd Glan 3rd Bal De Rio

A competitive race. EASY GAME is taken to come out on top on this good ground. He has won half of his 24 races over fences which is a formidable record. He was fortunate to score in Fairyhouse in April, but arrives here after a short break in the hunt for a four-timer. Trip and ground are ideal for him. He won this race last year. Jeremys Flame isn't easily passed over. Gavin Cromwell's mare successfully gave weight away to her rivals in Limerick with Hurricane Georgie held in second. She has won four of her last six chases and has to be respected. Dancing On My Own took a valuable handicap chase at Aintree in April and is another big player. The aforementioned Hurricane Georgie is on a very handy weight.
Prediction : 1st Easy Game 2nd Jeremys Flame 3rd Dancing On My Own

NICE TO MEET put in an excellent effort when just pipped by a short head in Killarney. He kept a very useful sort in this discipline more than honest at the finish, and a reproduction of that run would make him hard to beat. He will enjoy this ground. Lanziano served up a 14/1 surprise in a Ballingarry point-to-point, but the way he did that suggests there could be more in the tank. Russian Diamond ran fourth in a quality hunters chase at Downpatrick which has to give him a chance here. Woodbrook Boy is a solid operator who know where the winning post is.
Prediction : 1st Nice To Meet 2nd Lanziano 3rd Russian Diamond

KINBARA catches the eye. This Mahler gelding landed a point-to-point and a bumper last year and was thought good enough to reappear in a Grade 2 bumper at Aintree in April in which he finished mid-division. High Class Hero has a long absence to overcome, but has switched to Willie Mullins and is sure to be well prepared for this assignment. He was last seen winning a Loughbrickland point-to-point in November 2021 and had several subsequent hurdle and bumper winners in behind. Great Universe has a Clonmel bumper victory in the book, but may prefer a bit of juice in the ground.
Prediction : 1st Kinbara 2nd High Class Hero 3rd Great Universe