Listowel Sunday PREVIEW
The Kerry Group Handicap Chase is the highlight on the opening day of the Listowel festival and Carriganog bids for a hat-trick in the €40,000 contest.
Aidan O'Brien may have his sights firmly set on the Curragh on Sunday but his national hunt operation has been in flying form and the Shantou gelding can land a nice pot.
The JP McManus-owned six-year-old seems to have ironed out jumping issues that blighted his early career over fences.
He was a good winner at Kilbeggan in July when taking his beginners chase and picked up a nice race over timber back at that track last month.
The handicapper has stuck him up to 129 over fences now but it still looks a nice mark judged on his hurdles form and there should be plenty more to come over the larger obstacles.
Any rain that falls shouldn't be a problem as he has won on good ground the last twice and much softer in the past.
The going may be an issue for A Decent Excuse who has been described as ground dependant in the past.
Rogue Angel, who ran out a game winner of the Galway Blazers, will have no problem with any further easing and he could be the danger.
Ted Veale looks the class act in the earlier conditions hurdle on the card and it looks a nice opportunity for the consistent performer to get his head in front again.
Rashaan impressed when taking the first juvenile hurdle of the year and can follow up in the opener.
Boris De Blae looked a real staying type when winning his bumper at Downpatrick and can get off the mark now over timber in the three-mile maiden hurdle while his connections also look to have a live chance with Volvalien in the bumper.
Selections:
2.15 Rashaan (dbl) Tomorrow Morning
2.50 Ted Veale Aminabad
3.20 Boris De Blae Icantsay
3.55 The Living Beauty Kris Kindle
4.30 Georges Conn Seamus Mor
5.05 Carriganog (nap) Rogue Angel
5.35 Volvalien Sizing Alberta
