Theatre Of War would have gone close on his hurdling debut at Down Royal but for a serious error at the final flight. He had travelled into the race very easily and looked set to fight out the finish. If anything, he even gave the impression that he would be a better horse going left handed. Receiving all the allowances here, he looks a solid bet to get punters off to a winning start.

Hereia was an impressive winner of the opening juvenile hurdle at Roscommon, so has to be a contender despite carrying a penalty. His trainer had long regarded him as a hurdler in the making, so it was no surprise when he went in at the first time of asking. He is the proven horse in a field packed with potential.

SELECTION: THEATRE OF WAR

Next Best: Hereia

Stratum appears to have been found another perfect opportunity to follow up his recent flat success at Killarney. Willie Mullins’s high-class dual purpose horse was sent off at prohibitive odds on that occasion and should again head the market here. While this represents a slightly stiffer task, he has enough in hand at these weights to run out a convincing winner. It will be interesting to see where connections pitch up next as he remains a horse of some potential.

Dr Mikey, who has been a wonderful servant for his small yard, can take a share of the prizemoney. Already a five-time winner, he faces a tough ask against the Mullins runner but will be on hand to collect should the likely favourite run below expectations. It is likely that this race has been on his agenda for some time.

SELECTION: STRATUM

Next Best: Dr Mikey

Finding Joy who arrives here in search of a hat-trick could be good enough to do just that. By his own admission, Michael Hourigan is no longer the force of old but he remains a man very much capable of getting the best out of a nice horse. Listowel has always been a track that he targets each September and in all likelihood he has probably been working backwards from this meeting. That being the case, it is possible that we have yet to see the best of this improving mare.

Demi Plie has won over fences since her last start over flights. Prior to that, she had been running well in some better hurdle races last winter. She has the burden of top-weight here but does so as she is the best mare in this line-up. With her excellent rider able to take 5lbs off her back, she has to be one of the principal contenders.

SELECTION: FINDING JOY

Next Best: Demi Plie

Zola has yet to race over hurdles but faces modest opposition here so should collect provided she jumps around safely. Formerly in the care of Lorna Fowler, the five-year-old has already won a bumper for new connections. On that occasion she made all when running out a decisive winner at Sligo. A similar effort here could see her establish quite a lead over these opponents before any possible stamina issues even kick in.

Awbeg Prince has clearly had his issues as evidenced by so few visits to the track. On the occasions he has been able to run to his ability he has shown a level of form that would make him a real danger to the mare now. Mick Winters is another man that loves a festival winner, so he is sure to have his charge at his peak.

SELECTION: ZOLA

Next Best: Awbeg Prince

Wicklow Brave should find this slightly more demanding than recent starts but still looks far and away the most likely winner. He already has a clear verdict over Jan Maat and should confirm that form despite having to concede weight now. A real credit to all concerned over the years, he won’t be out of place in an early season Grade 1 chase, so has to win here to justify such lofty targets.

Dinons was a real money-spinner for his owners over the last few months before finding the opposition too strong on his most recent starts. However, he has plenty of solid form in small fields such as this and is a horse that won’t be too inconvenienced whatever the tactics used. He needs to bounce back from that below par effort last time but looks well capable of playing a part.

SELECTION: Wicklow Brave

Next Best: Dinons

Gwencily Berbas has to be of obvious interest here on his first start for Eric McNamara. A former Grade 2 winner over hurdles for Alan Fleming, he never quite fulfilled his early potential over fences but may yet do so. His trainer loves nothing better than a winner at this local track and Listowel was almost certainly mentioned as soon as he was purchased.

Ask Susan hasn’t had that many chances for Willie Mullins so there must be every chance that the mare has more to offer. She has plenty of placed form around this tight track for her previous handler, so the sharp bends will hold no fears. It would be no surprise to see her step up on her initial efforts for the champion trainer.

SELECTION: GWENCILY BERBAS

Next Best: Ask Susan

Lou Trek was an easy winner of his only career start when making a successful point-to-point debut last November. Despite having that absence to overcome, he looks to have been found an ideal opportunity to make a winning start under rules. Nothing else in the field has the potential of this five-year-old, who appeals as one who could go on to better things.

Casamari Abbey looks best of those that have already run on the track, although his form is a bit hit and miss. He would have a chance on the best of his runs although it would be a surprise if there wasn’t one or two that could progress past him.

SELECTION: LOU TREK

Next Best: Casamari Abbey