Barry Geraghty has memorably worked the big-race oracle for JP McManus already in 2014 and the jockey could pull off a similar feat on Jacksonslady in today's Guinness Kerry National.
McManus came close to finally landing an elusive first success in Listowel’s €160,000 festival centrepiece a year ago but even the future double-Grade 1 winner Carlingford Lough came up short against the ‘reserve’ winner White Star Line.
The legendary owner has five representing him this afternoon, and also has the first-time blinkered reserve Tom Horn as a potential hope, with Tony McCoy electing to side with the topweight Alderwood.
The double-Cheltenham festival hero, and former Grade 1 winning hurdler, is the undoubted class of the race but goes into new territory here with a first ever start at three miles. McManus can also call on the cross-channel trained Tap Night as well as Quantitativeeasing who sports first-time headgear.
Also among a maximum field of 18 is the giant Usuel Smurfer as well as Burn and Turn and Balnaslow who chased home Road To Riches in the Galway Plate.
Jacksonslady didn’t manage to get into the Plate but had won at Ballybrit the day before, despite which she is now rated a few pounds lower than when unplaced in this race last year.
Stamina
Primarily in her favour this time will be quick ground conditions that will help her stamina stretch out over this easy three-miles but having Geraghty on her back is hardly a minus either.
Already a three time Kerry National winner – Alfa Beat (2010-11) and Monty’s Pass (2002) – Geraghty has enjoyed great success in the McManus colours this year, notably with Jezki landing the Champion Hurdle and Shutthefrontdoor scoring in the Irish National.
He has also struck up a good relationship with Jacksonslady in recent seasons, including when third in last year’s Galway Plate, and conditions look to have come right for the Philip Dempsey trained mare to go close here.
“The ground should stay good and we’ve got Barry so we’re hopeful,” Dempsey said yesterday. “She didn’t perform in the race last year. We put that down to the ground. She likes good ground and the weather’s lovely.”
Today's flat-feature, the Listowel Stakes, appears to be another good Listed opportunity for John Oxx's filly Tarana. Twice a winner at this grade already this year, the daughter of Cape Cross was impressive when scoring in Galway's Oyster Stakes last time.
Gordon Elliott’s Downpatrick bumper winner Tom’s Article ran into a good horse in Tandem on his last start over flights at Navan and Paul Carberry’s mount can score in the maiden hurdle while an easy seven furlongs could suit Tom Dooley in the handicap.
