Kylecrue going for four in a row in Listowel opening-day feature

4.50 Listowel
Kerry Group Handicap Chase | 2m4f | 4yo+ | ATR

A week on from Dublin's fourth win in a row in the All Ireland Football Final, veteran chaser Kylecrue will be attempting a similar feat in the main event on the opening day of the Listowel festival.

The John Ryan-trained 11-year-old will be bidding to follow up his wins in the event in 2015, 2016 and 2017 and will have Donagh Meyler on board, with Danny Mullins, who rode Kylecrue to his three wins in the race, partnering Steel Wave for his uncle Willie Mullins.

Kylecrue, usually a front-runner, has not won since scoring over hurdles at Galway last October, but Ryan believes he has the six-time chase winner in top form for today's test.

The trainer, who is also represented by Draycott Place, another course winner, said: "We've trained Kylecrue very much with this race in mind and he has pleased us a lot in recent weeks. We know he loves Listowel and he's in cracking form.

"I think he has a big chance of doing the four in a row and it would be some achievement if he manages it at such a big festival meeting. Draycott Place is also in good order. He can be quite gassy and is probably best when not trying to force it from the front."

John Ryan, trainer of Kylecrue and Draycott PlaceCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Henry de Bromhead is throwing four at the prize including topweight Conrad Hastings, the mount of Davy Russell.

"Conrad Hastings is in good form. He ran well for a long way in the Galway Plate and I think the drop back in trip will suit him," said De Bromhead.

He added: "Rachael [Blackmore] rides All Hell Let Loose who ran well at Tramore last time while Deans Road, who has won a couple of times at the course, is in good form although he hasn't run for over a year. Surf Instructor, who completes our team, has some nice bits of form and takes his chance following a break."

Third on his handicap chase debut over the trip at Killarney last month, Product Of Love represents Alan Fleming who said: "He's in good nick and I think he has come on from his Killarney run which was only his third race over fences. Hopefully, they won't get much rain as he wouldn't want it soft."

The ground at Listowel was "good" on the chase and hurdle courses and "good to yielding" on the Flat track.

Read exclusive previews from 6pm daily on racingpost.com