RACING: PREVIEW LISTOWELGROUND CONDITIONS are set to remain testing at Listowel today but that should be no problem to Wholelotofrosie in the featured Premier Nursery.
The task of winning this €30,000 heat should not be underestimated as in 2010 subsequent Irish Derby hero Treasure Beach was beaten in the mile event.
That added to Listowel’s flat racing pedigree since the 2003 Irish Derby and King George victor Alamshar made a winning debut here. Count Of Limonade is the Ballydoyle representative this time while Dermot Weld sends Impound. Both are Killarney winners but back on soft ground it could be the top weight Orgilgo Bay who threatens most under a 7lb claim. However, Wholelotofrosie’s front-running style looks perfect for Listowel and there was a massive 10 lengths back to the third when she edged out Cocktail Hour at Galway last time.
Love Is The Key wasn’t beaten far behind Lake George at the Curragh and has an inside draw to make her presence felt in the sprint handicap, while Jim Bolger’s increased presence in bumpers this season can continue to pay dividends with Faoilean.
Ground conditions do not look like being ideal for any of the four in the novice chase but Pride Of The Artic may be inconvenienced least.
On Saturday, Ruby Walsh made a winning comeback from injury with a narrow success on Rattan in the Kerrymaid Hurdle. Miley Shah looked like making all the running but he was far from fluent at the last two flights. Rattan prevailed by a head in a tight finish.
