UK Horse Racing Tips: Listowel

It isn't difficult to envisage THRICE going forward from his near rail-side draw in stall two, in a bid to put the benefit of his experience to good use. All eyes will be on the Wootton Bassett colt, as his rider Ryan Moore debuts at Listowel. Moore triumphed on the selection's stable companion, Officer, when Thrice finished third on his first start at the Curragh last month. There was undoubted merit in the Ballydoyle juvenile's finishing spurt on that occasion, and the blinkers deployed then are unsurprisingly retained now. Aidan O'Brien has care of Thrice, and there is strong O'Brien family representation all told, with Joseph and Donnacha also fielding runners. The former's Hostility looks well-placed to at least contend for a place in the frame.
Prediction : 1st Thrice 2nd Hostility 3rd Nyman

It's not often that connections of SIMPLE ENDEAVOUR find themselves competing down at this level. Nonetheless it'll be viewed as an important project, to secure a winning bracket with a well-bred filly such as this, after her purchase for a huge sum as a yearling in 2022. The daughter of Dubawi has had to miss out on a couple of intended assignments in recent times but patience could be rewarded now. She's joined here by stable companion and top-weight Dark Viper, and he's undoubtedly a player too. Back-in-trip Simple Endeavour can turn silver to gold though, after going close the last twice, from the plum draw in stall one. Sneddy Eddie has the form to make a telling impression. The presence of Colin Keane on his back will only go to heighten the confidence of his backers.
Prediction : 1st Simple Endeavour 2nd Sneddy Eddie 3rd Dark Viper

LOUIESCALL returns to Listowel, after a third placed run here in June. Connections kept the Soldier's Call gelding busy at the Galway festival, and though his second effort didn't match the first in a couple of outings at Ballybrit, there are still grounds for optimism. Granted, Louiescall is the only maiden in this line-up, but as the least experienced he is likely one of those with the most scope for progression. Trainer Harry Kelly is presumably still learning with the youngster. The cheekpieces he had on last time are dispensed with for this assignment, where his prominent racing style can put him right in the firing line come the business end. Others may prefer the tried and tested. To that end previous Listowel winners Ramiro, Dragon Of Malta and Racing Royalty will appeal.
Prediction : 1st Louiescall 2nd Ramiro 3rd Perfect Judgement

Third in this event last year behind her stable companion, the hugely surprising 80/1 victor, Maud Gonne Spirit, perhaps it'll be a slightly better outcome for CURVATURE this time around. Jessica Harrington's stable jockey Shane Foley is on Fleur De Chine, and that's hardly surprising given that she gave her rider a big pay-day at Gowran back in high summer. It shouldn't neccessarily detract from the confidence of those rowing in with Curvature though, given that Colin Keane takes the reins for the first time. The addition of cheekpieces may help to eke out that bit more from the marginal first choice. She only yielded close home in a similar heat at Killarney a month ago. Curvature, Princess Child and Mexicali Rose are closely matched on evidence from then.
Prediction : 1st Curvature 2nd Princess Child 3rd Fleur De Chine

Conditions are unlikely to suit dual winner Lady O, with the Australia filly taken out of a Group 3 at the Curragh last month due to quick ground. Off the same mark of 87, MEDICI VENUS is the selection. Badly hampered when still in with every chance on her penultimate start at Naas, she went down narrowly when last seen at Galway. Clearly progressive, it'll be disappointing if she's not involved towards the business end. The Joseph O'Brien-trained Drivers Seat has two solid efforts to his name and looks a winner in waiting. Third at Leopardstown on his latest start, he was a place ahead of subsequent impressive Galway victor Trinity College. O'Brien also saddles The Marty Party who has plenty to find on ratings, while Shiota and the Adrian McGuinness pair of Sir Jeremy and No Return (first time hood) complete the line-up.
Prediction : 1st Medici Venus 2nd Drivers Seat 3rd Lady O

Despite the fact his winning streak came to an end at Galway, MONASTERBOICE looks difficult to oppose. Reeled in close home at Ballybrit, the likeable three-time winner lost little in defeat. While the only three-year-old in the line-up here, he is the highest rated on a mark of 93. No More Porter should appreciate this drop in class and is given second preference after finishing a fine sixth of 24 in the Cambridgeshire on his penultimate start. His stable companion Exquisite Acclaim won when last seen at Gowran and is sure to have plenty of supporters in his bid to follow-up. Course winners Facethepuckout, Simply Sideways and Narmar all warrant respect, with the latter, who is fitted with a tongue strap for the first time, of definite interest after finishing a never nearer eighth when last seen in the Cambridgeshire.
Prediction : 1st Monasterboice 2nd No More Porter 3rd Narmar

The progressive ROSSO might be able to take this on his first try in handicap company. A real stayer, the Camelot bay will appreciate this step up in trip and is versatile regards ground. Beaten by a neck on recent starts at Galway and Gowran respectively, Highland Bling certainly wouldn't be winning out of turn. The highest rated runner in the line-up, he too is upped in trip and will be ridden by Keithen Kennedy who claims a valuable 7lb. While he failed to make an impact when last seen in a Listed heat at Leopardstown, a much improved performance is likely from the Aidan O'Brien-trained Emphasis. A never nearer fourth at the Curragh last month, Slurricane warrants respect, while dual winner Granite Bay is another for the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Rosso 2nd Highland Bling 3rd Emphasis