The old man of the field, Second Schedual, looks a decent bet to put the youngsters in their place in today's £35,000 Dawn Milk Handicap Chase at Listowel.
The two and a half mile contest is the centrepiece of a seven-race card which follows the official opening of Listowel's new stand and is also the central race in the day's £15,000 Jackpot guarantee.
Manhattan Castle tops the weight in today's big race but in terms of age, Second Schedual is lengths ahead. At 13, the strapping bay may not be capable of the sort of form that saw him beat General Ideal in the 1993 Cathcart at Cheltenham but at this level and around this track he is no back number.
Second Schedual has been given a reasonably easy time of it this season, winning at Naas in early November, running again in early January and then warming up for this with a second to Bob Treacy over three miles at Gowran.
Considering Bob Treacy's excellent run until falling five out in the Irish National, Second Schedual was attempting a very difficult task in trying to give him 9lb at Gowran but today looks different.
For one thing, Listowel's flat tight circut has always seemed to suit Second Schedual who has run well here in the past including finishing third to Tell The Nipper in September. Conor O'Dwyer is also a significant jockey booking and the old horse's experience could give him the edge over the novice Mr Baxter Basics, the English runner Land Afar and Aidan O'Brien's Corket.
Without doubt, however, the most fascinating animal on view today will be Dr Massini in the 12-furlong conditions race. His story is well known by now. Enviably talented but with a mind very definitely of his own, Dr Massini would probably trot up in this race if at his best but as the Irish Linclon showed he is just as likely to down tools.
Today the ride has been entrusted to the apprentice who rides him in all his work, "Frosty" Kelly. Maybe he can work the oracle on the horse but betting wise the Trigo Stakes winner Stage Affair looks a much more reliable vehicle.
Dermot Weld and Michael Kinane could also score with Rajjaff in the 12 furlong maiden. Fourth to Aislo at Tipperary, this Unfuwain colt should be suited by the trip and the cut in the. Rosarium who was well supported to win at Naas last Saturday can take the 1m handicap.
