Preview LISTOWEL 20th Sep

The Listowel Festival concludes with an eight-race card commencing at 2.00.

The big race of the day is the Edmond Whelan Memorial Handicap Hurdle, where Mill House Girl tops the weights.

Following her chasing debut success here in June, Paul Flynn's front-running mare has since found one too good in appearances on the Flat and over hurdles at Bellewstown and Roscommon respectively.

Gripit N Tipit hasn't been sighted over timber since last October but he returns to this code off a reasonable mark, while Wexford winner Lady Steppes and the red-hot Blue Express are also entitled to places on the short-list.

The one likely to be of most interest, however, is Conem, highly impressive when cruising to victory under Ruby Walsh here on Thursday.

2007 Cheltenham Champion Bumper winner Cork All Star won on his seasonal debut in a maiden hurdle last term and could prove a warm order in the Listowel Races Supporters Club Slan Abhaile Race, which concludes the card.

Solwhit is also of interest on his return to competitive action, but the pair will certainly need to be tuned-up in order to get the better of a race-fit Larkwing - a Grade Three hurdle winner at Tipperary in July.

Division one of the Charlie Chute Memorial Maiden Hurdle gets the ball rolling and looks an open event.

Diaego started an unfortunate habit of filling the runner-up spot in bumpers and maintained the trend on his hurdling bow at Down Royal last month.

Born High boasts some solid form in handicap company and must be accorded respect back in maiden company, while strong support for Charlie Swan's point-to-point winner Strongpoint could be worth noting.

Hu Ha Jo found only the classy mare Sweet Kiln too strong in a Flat maiden at Tramore earlier in the month and will be fancied to regain the winning touch back over obstacles in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.

© www.irish-racing.com