Listowel preview: A mile maiden at Listowel won't exactly compensate the John Oxx team for Azamour's absence from the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe but Redstone Dancer still looks the one to beat in the Listowel opener today.
Oxx has called time on Azamour's preparation for the Arc tomorrow week, and the King George winner will instead wait for the Breeders' Cup Turf at Belmont Park next month.
"We've run out of time and we don't think it is in his best interests to push him. It's just a pity the Arc isn't a week later," said Oxx.
Nevertheless, Azamour is recovering well from the back-muscle problem he picked up in the Irish Champion Stakes. However, the Aga Khan's colours will now be primarily carried in the Arc by the Irish Oaks and Prix Vermille heroine Shawanda.
Redstone Dancer is best known to date for being the filly that was brought down at the Curragh last month, Michael Kinane suffering a fractured wrist as a result.
She was running a better race at the time, however, than on her Roscommon debut, when she started favourite and never threatened. Oxx also runs the Spectrum newcomer Gift Range today but Redstone Dancer looks the one to be on.
Kilbeggan Lad won the big hurdle on Thursday and tries for a quick follow-up in the Edmond Whelan Handicap Hurdle.
Michael Hourigan's charge stayed on well off a strong pace two days ago but the formbook indicates two miles might be his optimum trip. With that in mind maybe the dour stayer Blue Away could go close with Paul Carberry aboard.
Carberry takes over from Denis O'Regan on Carlesimo in the novice chase and despite topweight the hat-trick looks on.
A nasty fall at Galway hasn't affected Carlesimo's confidence in the slightest and he followed up a good win at Ballinrobe with a smooth defeat of the Plate runner -up Ursumman back at Ballybrit last time. Last Sunday's course winner Davenport Democrat is an interesting opponent but Carlesimo still looks a horse to keep on the right side of.
Harry Rogers has been making the 11-hour round trip to Listowel from his Ardee, Co Louth, base throughout the week and if there is any rain before the seven-furlong handicap it will encourage his hopes for Kilmannin.
The five-year-old is best on soft ground over a mile but he ran a blinder at the Curragh last weekend when fourth to Koukalova. A 10lb claim can only help the chances of Kilmannin this afternoon. Nok Twice could be be a danger.
Charles Byrnes is always a trainer to respect around here and his Vintage Treasure is worthy of close examination in the maiden hurdle, while Dermot Weld's Loyal Focus can pick up the traditional festival finale, the Slán Abhaile Race.
