Mark Boylan with expert analysis for the big Listowel handicap hurdle

3.15 Listowel
Ladbrokes "Where The Nation Plays" Handicap Hurdle (Grade B) | 2m, 5yo+ | RTV & TG4

Willie Mullins has won and finished second in this valuable prize with talented mares Lagostovegas and Shanning in recent years and Wednesday's Kerry National-winning trainer relies on another capable mare this time around in the shape of Getaway Gorgeous.

The talented bumper performer has been let down by her jumping over hurdles at times but put in a better round when bolting up at Punchestown this month.

She may be well treated off a mark of 125, with Paul Townend getting down to 10st 2lb, but she will have to jump well in this 18-runner contest.

The Tony Martin-trained pair of Golden Spear and Tudor City are standing dishes in handicaps like this and arrive here on the back of some excellent efforts on the Flat.

Nibblers Charm: former course winner is 12lb higher than when winning at the Galway festivalCredit: Patrick McCann

Nibblers Charm ran riot off a mark of 117 for trainer Ray Hackett in what had appeared a strong Galway festival handicap hurdle in July but he has been held twice on the Flat since and must defy a 12lb rise and will not have Simon Torrens' 7lb claim.

Wonder Laish was one of the leading Galway Hurdle fancies but lost his chance at the early obstacles before showing his class when winning on the Flat at Killarney five weeks ago.

He looks a major contender back over hurdles, while the Des McDonogh-trained Hearts Are Trumps was third in this last year and second in the Galway Hurdle last time.

What they say

Ray Hackett, trainer of Nibblers Charm
He was very good at Galway but this will be a big ask for him after going up plenty in the weights. He enjoys running on the Flat and it keeps him fresh.

Tony Martin, trainer of Tudor City and Golden Spear
They've both been running well on the Flat lately and are ready to go again.

Willie Mullins, trainer of Getaway Gorgeous
She's only a novice but has a lovely racing weight and it's a valuable handicap.

Wonder Laish: back on track when winning on the Flat at Killarney five weeks agoCredit: Patrick McCann

Charles Byrnes, trainer of Wonder Laish
He made a mistake at the first and was hampered at the second in the Galway Hurdle. I'm very happy with him but I'd like to see the ground dry out a bit.

Frank Berry, racing manager to JP McManus, owner of Hearts Are Trumps, Drop The Anchor and Pike County
Hearts Are Trumps ran his heart out in the Galway Hurdle and is very consistent. He's gone up a few pounds [3lb] but it'd be nice to see him get his head in front. Drop The Anchor is back from a break and Pat [Fahy] is happy with him. It's taken Pike County a little while to get the hang of jumping but hopefully he'll run a nice race if he gets in.

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