Handicap blot? Willie Mullins' summer revelation chases €100,000 pot

Friday: 2.15 Listowel
Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle (Grade B) | 2m | 5yo+ | TG4/RTV

There are plenty of recognisable names to the fore in this lucrative contest and dual Galway Hurdle hero Tudor City sets the standard on ratings.

Competing off 7lb higher than for his latest Ballybrit strike in July, the Tony Martin-trained ten-year-old will need to be at his best in another highly competitive event.

Little Big Rocky, representing Pat Downey, has been raised 28lb for two wins and could be a real player if continuing on his upward curve, while the dual Willie Mullins threat of Dads Lad and Farout gives him a live chance of following up last year's win.

Little Big Rocky: on the up for trainer Pat DowneyCredit: David Keane

Fils D'Oudairies, the mount of Davy Russell, could be the most intriguing of Gordon Elliott's four runners. Previously trained by Nicky Henderson, he brings some smart form to the table.

Vina Ardanza, Glan and Felix Desjy complete a strong presence for the Cullentra team.

My Mate Mozzie shaped encouragingly when fourth in a premier handicap on Irish Champions Weekend and has the benefit of the experienced Kieren Buckley's 5lb claim, while lowly weighted Outback Flyer is interesting for the in-form Peter Fahey team.

Dads Lad out to exploit lower hurdles mark

Low weights are generally favoured in this €100,000 contest, with 19 of the last 23 winners carrying 10st 11lb or less, and the Willie Mullins-trained Dads Lad fits that mould with a featherweight of just 10st.

After starting his career 0-7 for his previous owners, the dual-purpose performer has been a revelation since joining the Whitegrass Racing Syndicate, reeling off two wins over hurdles, two over fences and a Flat maiden win at the Galway festival.

Dads Lad: won a beginners' chase at Limerick in July before following up at Galway and Killarney

Those returns have come in an 11-month window, much to the delight of the 20-member syndicate mainly consisting of racing fans from County Offaly.

Whitegrass Racing's Liam Cullinan said: "He owes us nothing, but it's great for us to have a shot at a big pot. Brian Hayes gets on very well with him.

"He's improved so much over the last few months that you're keeping your fingers crossed he'll do the same back over hurdles. He hasn't jumped a hurdle for a while but is 15lb well in on his chase rating."

What they say

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Felix Desjy, Fils D'Oudairies, Vina Ardanza and Glan
Felix Desjy probably wasn't helped by the steady pace last time at Killarney. The easier ground should be a help to him. Dropping in trip to two miles will hopefully suit Fils D'Oudairies and he shouldn't mind the ground either. It was a shame that Vina Ardanza came down at the last over fences at Killarney and we're running him back over hurdles now. Hopefully it'll boost his confidence. His best form over hurdles would give him an each-way chance. Glan ran a great race in the Galway Hurdle but you'd be a bit worried about the ground turning too soft for her.

Felix Desjy: struck at the Punchestown festival in AprilCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Gavin Cromwell, trainer of My Mate Mozzie
He ran a cracker on the Flat last time. He didn't really travel early on from a wide draw and got a bit far back but ran on well. Hopefully the ground isn't too soft.

Pat Downey, trainer of Little Big Rocky
He's been brilliant for us this summer and is such a slick jumper. I'm hoping that stepping up in class where they'll go a faster pace can help him use his quick jumping. The handicapper might have been a bit harsh raising him 14lb last time but hopefully he's right. We're really looking forward to running him and the rain shouldn't do him any harm.

Cian Collins, trainer of Effernock Fizz
She was very good on her last start over hurdles at Killarney and the handicapper was probably fair to give her a 6lb rise. Hopefully she'll still be competitive but we're worried about soft ground. She likes it good.

Matthew Smith, trainer of Flaming Moon
He ran well when second at the track on Wednesday. We'll probably decide on Friday morning whether he takes his chance.

Peter Fahey, trainer of Outback Flyer
She ran a lovely race last time at Killarney and they probably didn't go quick enough for her. Ease in the ground would be a bonus and she's got a nice low weight. I think she'll run a big race.

Friday's race previews:

1.50 Newmarket: Can unlucky Zanbaq benefit from Roger Varian's sequence of success?

2.25 Newmarket: 'She's progressed again' - high hopes Pearl can overturn form with Sea Silk Road

3.00 Newmarket: The new Inspiral? Commissioning could prove Gosdens' latest star in Rockfel

3.35 Newmarket: 'He's well bred and now living up to that' - Tempus out to crack Group 2 company

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