3.35 Listowel: the one race you do not want to miss on Tuesday

3.35 Listowel
Liam Healy Memorial Lartigue Hurdle (Handicap) |Grade B| 2m | 4yo | TG4/RTV

Why is it interesting?

The feature on day three of the Listowel festival appears a tricky handicap to crack for four-year-olds, with last season's Triumph Hurdle third Gardens Of Babylon topping the weights.

Joseph O'Brien's charge finished down the field in a Galway Hurdle that had no shortage of traffic problems, but ran out an impressive winner at the Punchestown festival in novice company on his previous hurdles start.

The JP McManus-owned runner is 11lb clear of his nearest rival on ratings, Hannon, who was just touched off in a Naas Grade 2 in February and has been running well on the Flat lately.

The Galway novice hurdle which saw Lethal Steps and Morosini finish first and second will be put to the test also, with the pair locking horns again in the 14-strong field.

What the stats say?

Gordon Elliott's Kuiper Belt was first past the post here last year before being demoted to second, benefiting promoted winner Gold Seal, trained by Joseph O'Brien.

Lethal Steps had the better of Morosini at the Galway festivalCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Both trainers are represented again this time around but the Owning Hill handler has booked claiming riders for both his runners this year. Interestingly, riders with a claim have won this race on three of the last five occasions.

The presence of his 142-rated Gardens Of Babylon makes life tougher for six of his rivals, who are forced to run from out of the handicap.

What the trainers say?

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Gardens Of Babylon and Top Moon
They both seem in good shape. The soft ground mightn't be ideal for Gardens Of Babylon but there's some good prize-money on offer and it's worth taking our chance. We're hopeful that both can run well.

John McConnell, trainer of Hannon
He comes here fit from the Flat but we're a bit worried about the ground, it's a bit of an unknown for him. This has been the plan for him for a little while and we're hopeful of a good run.

Andrew McNamara, trainer of Zoffalee
He's continued to step forward with each run and a lot of that has to do with the fact he's settling better. He used to be fairly keen. This is another step up in class again, so we'll have to see how he handles it.

Tony Martin, trainer of Nibiru
He won well at Ballinrobe on his last start over hurdles. He's been good hurdling so far and deserves to take his chance in a race like this. We're sticking the visor on him for the first time after he raced a little bit idle on the Flat last time so hopefully it'll sharpen him up.

John Halley, trainer of Blackhillsofdakota
He's in great form but I just hope we don't get any more rain for him.

Ray Cody, trainer of Razoul
He deserved to get his head in front last time at Kilbeggan. It's obviously not ideal running from 7lb out of the handicap but he's in brilliant form and we're very hopeful of a good run from him.

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