UK Horse Racing Tips: Listowel

PERISHER was backed ahead of his debut in Galway and there was plenty to like about his effort to fill the runner-up berth. He then wasn't at his best when fifth at the Curragh, but his jockey reported that he lugged right so cheekpieces go on. He is well worth another chance. Aidan O'Brien has landed three of the last five renewals of this race and newcomer Straight Up looks the pick of his pair on jockey bookings. This Wootton Bassett colt should be given a market check. Merry Blacksmith is also starting out on her career and is a well-bred filly who could make an impact, while Oisin Murphy ought to get a good spin on Spectical.
Prediction : 1st Perisher 2nd Straight Up 3rd Merry Blacksmith

A very tricky race. LIAMO won at this track in June and has prospects of going in again. That was his first visit to Listowel and since then he has been placed in Killarney (on testing ground) and Leopardstown. Mogwli, who was runner-up in Punchestown, and Shawaamekh, who is sliding down the weights, will enjoy conditions but do have to overcome tough draws. Title-chasing Dylan Browne McMonagle is an eyecatching first-time booking for the veteran Shawaamekh. The Blue Panther has been off since November and starts out for a new stable, but is capable on slow ground.
Prediction : 1st Liamo 2nd Mogwli 3rd Shawaamekh

MATHAN appears to have everything in his favour to gain a second career success. Joseph O'Brien's gelding ran with plenty of credit when third on his penultimate start at Galway, leaving the impression a drop back in trip might make a difference. I Bid You Ajou has enjoyed a mostly consistent season and has to enter the reckoning, while others for the shortlist include Highbury See See and Bundle Of Interest.
Prediction : 1st Mathan 2nd I Bid You Ajou 3rd Highbury See See

Not a vintage renewal of this Listed heat. Joseph O'Brien saddles three of the eight declared, with Dylan Browne McMonagle on Soft Winds. Successful on soft ground in her native France, she has yet to win since arriving in Ireland but ran her best race for quite some time when third in the Ruby Stakes at Killarney last month. For a selection, it might be worth taking a chance on NORWALK HAVOC. A proven performer on testing ground, he has yet to recapture his best form this season but he is still the second highest-rated runner in the line-up and will be partnered by Shane Foley. With Colin Keane back on board, Noli Timere could bounce back from a disappointing Irish Champions Festival effort.
Prediction : 1st Norwalk Havoc 2nd Soft Winds 3rd Noli Timere

With Patrick McGettigan claiming a valuable 7lb, RED AUTUMN is the selection. Beaten into second on soft ground at Roscommon, she found the 98-rated Summer Is Tomorrow just three-quarters of a length too good. In truth, none of the six can be safely ruled out. Although sure to have plenty of supporters after his breakthrough success at Killarney, it's hard to know how Extravagant will cope with the likely testing conditions, while fellow last-time-out winners Echo Of Faith and Redemption Road are other leading hopes. The maidens Bellamano (first-time cheekpieces) and Limestone complete the line-up and can't be dismissed.
Prediction : 1st Red Autumn 2nd Extravagant 3rd Redemption Road

MIDNIGHT STRIKE might be able to defy top weight on his first try in handicap company. Proven on testing ground, he should appreciate this drop in class. Twice successful this season, On A Session has a course win to his name and warrants the utmost respect with Oisin Murphy booked to ride. Vega's Muse rewarded those who kept the faith when making the breakthrough at Killarney last month and is sure to have her supporters again.
Prediction : 1st Midnight Strike 2nd On A Session 3rd Vegas Muse

SARATOGA could prove nicely treated off an initial mark of 80. A half-brother to 2017 Irish Derby and English St Leger winner Capri, the grey has three solid efforts to his name and may appreciate this step up in trip. Delta has to give weight away all round, but will be well fancied to follow up his breakthrough victory at Fairyhouse. Bryant and Kingstonian are other last-time-out scorers in the line-up and both are sure to have plenty of supporters. Galway winner Kilmeaden, who disappointed on his most recent start at Killarney, is another for the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Saratoga 2nd Delta 3rd Bryant