RACING: The first seven-day Listowel festival kicks off a hugely important racing week that by the end will see many eyes trained on Ascot's festival version.
The record-breaking Rock Of Gibraltar still has Saturday's Queen Elizabeth II Stakes in his sights, and a possible eighth Group One success in a row.
There are some indications, however, that Hawk Wing might take his place if the ground at Ascot turns fast but Aidan O'Brien was giving nothing away yesterday.
"The situation is still the same as it was. Rock Of Gibraltar and Hawk Wing are possibles for the Queen Elizabeth but only one of them is likely to run.
"It will probably be about Wednesday before we decide," he said.
The Ballydoyle trainer's name appears just once on today's card, next to Kaldan Khan in the charity race, but that won't stop a huge crowd travelling to north Kerry.
A record-equalling 25,000 squeezed in on Kerry National day last year when over €2.5 million was bet in a single afternoon.
Similar figures are likely this around as the festival extends to a full week, just 10 years after it was first stretched out to six days.
The feature is the premier nursery, worth €26,000 to the winner, and the Jim Bolger camp is likely to have a huge say in where the majority of the money goes.
Bolger has the possible favourite in the Leopardstown winner, Turn Back Time, but also runs the lightly weighted Addario, who should relish the hike up to a mile.
The Spectrum filly was running on strongly at the end of six furlongs at Fairyhouse last Wednesday and has another 7lb claimed off her 7-13.
That means a 20lb concession by Turn Back Time and he, along with the Tipperary winner Vettriano, may find these conditions too tough.
Bob What's chance at the Curragh eight days ago was ruined by a slipped saddle but Paddy Mullins's consistent type looks good for compensation in the two-mile handicap.
The fast ground-loving Tarakan ran at Gowran just six days ago and raced more prominently that usual early on when third to Mr Wong. He looks an interesting contender for the two-mile handicap hurdle.
Legacy was an eye-catching finisher on his debut when third at Tipperary and looks good for the opener, while Pat Smullen has a rare ride for Pat Flynn on Freya in the sprint handicap. A good run on the fast last time makes it look a significant booking.
Derby Italiano winner Rakti proved a big disappointment when finishing last of six in to outsider Rainer in the Premio Marchese Giuseppe Ippolito Fassati in Milan yesterday.
Rakti, having proved reluctant to load, dictated the early pace, only to fold tamely.
