Ronan Groome

2:10 KERRY GROUP 3YO HURDLE 2M

This opening three-year-old maiden hurdle isn’t a race to get heavily involved with and a tentative vote goes to Jessica Harrington’s hurdles debutant Make It Hurrah. With a mark of 74 on the flat, he is one of the better horses coming from that sphere and the hope is, that given the quarters he comes from, jumping will be well up his street.

Pronounced has won already and must carry a penalty. The same applies to the two fillies, Grey Waters and Minnie Dahill, whom there is very little between on a line through Vision D’Ete. Preference is for the former, Joseph O’Brien’s daughter of Mastercraftsman, who may handle the soft ground better.

Selection: MAKE IT HURRAH

Next best: Grey Waters

2:45 KERRYMAID HURDLE 2M

A race that revolves around how Ballycasey manages back over hurdles. Willie Mullins’s veteran has made his name over fences and holds a rating of 158 in that sphere. The last time he was seen over hurdles was in a Grade 1 novice hurdle at the 2013 Punchestown Festival where he finished third to Morning Assembly. He probably isn’t as good over the smaller obstacles but doesn’t need to be to win here.

The Game Changer got himself back into the winners’ enclosure at Ballinrobe and he can give Ballycasey most to do. He has a lot more experience over hurdles and if he can put his best foot forward, he is in with a shout.

Selection: BALLYCASEY

Next best: The Game Changer

3:20 CHARLEVILLE CHEESE MAIDEN HURDLE 3M

A chance is taken on Noel Meade’s Champoleon, who was off the track for over two years before running with promise on his comeback at Bellewstown, where he stayed on to finish a never-nearer fourth. He had previously been a useful novice hurdler, performing well in good company, and if he can improve from his first run back, he should take all the beating.

Brave Poppy should improve on his third ever start over hurdles as well. He finished second to subsequent Galway winner Oakly at Roscommon and that form reads well in the context of this race.

Selection: CHAMPOLEON

Next best: Brave Poppy

3:50 LOW LOW IRISH EBF MARES HANDICAP HURDLE 2M4F

A wide open affair in which recent winners Kilganer Queen and Touch Of Gold are sure to be popular in the betting. However, at perhaps more speculative odds, Swift would be of interest. John Nicholson’s runner ran really well over fences on her previous run at Tramore where she bumped into subsequent winner Swingbridge. She is back over hurdles now and back at the course and distance she last won at, in June, off just a 2lb lower mark.

Patrick Neville’s Queen Khaleesi showed real promise for the first time on her previous run where she finished second to Oskar High at Killarney two weeks ago. She is open to any amount of improvement now.

Selection: SWIFT

Next best: Queen Khaleesi

4:25 CHEESTRINGS MARES NOVICE CHASE 2M4F

Though only six runners in this field, it is an interesting contest and a decent opportunity with good prize money on offer. Sharlanda looks the one to beat. Colin Bowe’s mare has been in terrific form this summer, winning three times but her best performance was on her previous start at Wexford last week where she chased home A Rated, who is rated 136 and finished in front of Ask Nile, rated 135. There is every chance she will run at least as well as that again, and if anything, she could improve again, which would see her very difficult to beat.

Miss Eyecatcher and Ask Susan are the other two to note. Both mares have run only once over fences but performed with real credit. Slight preference is for the former, who won at Galway before her creditable chase debut when she finished second to Don’t Tell No One at Killarney.

Selection: SHARLANDA

Next best: Miss Eyecatcher

5:00 KERRY GROUP HANDICAP CHASE 2M4F

The feature event on day one of the Listowel Festival looks a competitive affair featuring a few well-established winter jumpers beginning their season against horses campaigned over the summer. Sir Jack Yeats has won on three of his last six runs and should go well again. However, the vote goes to The Gatechecker, who finished in front of Ellmarie Holden’s horse in the Galway Blazers Handicap Chase and has more favourable terms against that runner here. He fell at Killarney last time which was unfortunate, but soft ground is a big positive and he’ll be tough to beat with a clear round.

You wouldn’t be put off Kylecrue by reading his trainer John Ryan’s comments in the Talking Trainer feature (see A11) and the 10-year-old can run well again at Listowel, a course he has won at three times already. He warmed up for this with a good run over hurdles at Sligo.

Selection: THE GATECHECKER

Next best: Kylecrue

5:35 KERRY GROUP FLAT RACE 2M

A tentative vote goes to Alan Fleming’s newcomer Massey’s Wood, owned by Barry Connell, who may well be good enough to win first time out. He is related to a three-time winner and this looks a soft enough race for his debut.

Crumpleandcreased sets a decent standard on his three bumper runs so far and is sure to be there or thereabouts again for Willie and Patrick Mullins.

Selection: MASSEY’S WOOD

Next best: Crumpleandcreased