Astronomer sets his sights on Co Kerry Aidan and Donnacha O’Brien have swept all before them on the domestic front in recent weeks and Astronomer may complete a hat-trick for the pair in the 50,000 euro Sky Sports Racing Launching In 2019 Handicap at Listowel today. The Galileo colt coped with soft ground when winning his maiden at the Galway Festival and appeared to relish the step up in trip when following up in fine style at Bellewstown recently. Interestingly Donnacha reported afterwards that this progressive sort ‘only does what he has to and is a nice stayer’. The lightly-raced Maysiyana steps into handicap company after taking a Killarney maiden with ease last month, while course winner Lady Camelot finished strongly at Galway last time and is another to consider. There is over 200,000 in prize-money on offer on this all Flat card, and Ballydoyle also have a strong contender in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Premier Nursery with Mount Tabora. Seamie Heffernan’s mount has four lengths to make up on Galway maiden winner Zander but does enjoy a significant pull at the weights, while Invincible Karma and Facethepuckout are others to note in a tightly knit mile event. All The King’s Men looks another likely winner for Aidan and Donnacha O’Brien in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. The No Nay Never colt was just denied by stable companion Isle Of Innisfree at Naas recently and should appreciate this extra furlong. Last-time-out winners Landline and Cracking Name do battle in the Feale Handicap over an extended six furlongs. Tom Cleary’s Landline turns out just a week after winning with authority at Roscommon, while the David Marnane-trained Cracking Name has had a month to recover from his victory at Tipperary.
