Swan double

Yet another eight-race marathon will test the stamina of racegoers at Listowel this afternoon but the divide of the maiden hurdle…

Yet another eight-race marathon will test the stamina of racegoers at Listowel this afternoon but the divide of the maiden hurdle looks to have worked out well for Aidan O'Brien and Charlie Swan who can now land both contests with King Of Glen and Lunar Lady.

Both horses ran at Gowran in the same race won by Aboriginal with Lunar Lady fourth and King Of Glen sixth. Lunar Lady ran on particularly well in the closing stages that day and could find the second division a marginally weaker contest here.

King Of Glen was always prominent at Gowran but weakend before they hit the straight. The extra half mile should be right up his alley now and he could be a touch of value to win this although if Lanturn, who pulled up lame here on Wednesday when a drifting favourite in the market, follows up his declaration, he would be very hard to beat.

The most valuable pot on offer is the £12,000 Harp Lager Handicap which could give Rescue Time a chance for compensation for a rather unlucky run at Galway.

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On that occasion, Rescue Time was sent for a gap up the rails but was badly baulked by Leggaya who drifted to the inside. Stephen Craine had to snatch up as Admiral Wings ran to success and it was no surprise to see Rescue Time promoted from third to second by the stewards.

The Southampton Handicap Chase is another competitive event where any number could be fancied but Paul Carberry's ride, Ryhane, got a handy confidence boost in a novice hurdle at Kilbeggan earlier this month and if he jumps well, Ryhane's stamina will come into play.

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column