Review LISTOWEL 22ND SEP

Declan McDonogh took a major step towards what will surely be his first Flat jockeys' title by recording a 226/1 treble including the featured Guinness Handicap aboard Talwin.

Indeed it was appropriate that his boss Kevin Prendergast supplied two of the winners, while McDonogh also teamed up with another key trainer in his season Adrian McGuinness.

Talwin was never far off the pace in the nine furlongs feature, and headed the front-running Sweet Petite just inside the final furlong to win by half a length.

McDonogh, 26, was seen at his strongest on Phantom Lad in the nine furlongs maiden, just getting the better of a titanic final furlong duel with Settigano.

The McGuinness-trained Salishan ran out an impressive winner of the opening Kirby's Brogue Inn/Lanterns sponsored 40-60 rated six furlongs handicap.

The Namid filly made all and stretched right away in the final furlong to beat No Frontier by five and a half lengths.

'He's entered at Ballinrobe on Tuesday but it's a big step up from six furlongs to nine. It's possible we could bring him across the water,' said the Lusk trainer.

McDonogh has ridden 16 of McGuinness' 21 winners this year, and is now eleven clear of Pat Smullen in the title race on the 76 winner mark.

Liam McAteer is hoping Distant Times continues to progress like his half-brother Majestic Times after making it two wins from as many starts since joining the Co. Meath trainer 3 months ago in the 50-80 rated 6f handicap.

Pat Shanahan found a gap a furlong out and the gelding quickened up well to beat Tango Step by two and a half lengths.

'We were drawn on the inside but he's not quick away so I told Pat to wait for a gap and he'll go through it. It all worked out well and on that performance he should stay seven,' said McAteer, who trains the 5yo for his wife Bernie.

Rain Rush proved an aptly named winner this week, making virtually all under Billy Lee to beat Lady Aspen by eight lengths in the 7f auction maiden.

Davenport Democrat has proved a great money spinner for connections in the past 12 months, and the 6/4 favourite made it seven wins in that period when taking the conditions chase.

Ruby Walsh's mount had his task greatly eased when Barrow Drive blundered badly and unseated Barry Geraghty four out, going on to beat Light On The Broom by 2 1/2L.

'It was not his ground but the conditions of the race suited and its a nice prize. He could go to the Cheltenham November meeting and will have a break over the winter,' said Willie Mullins.

Favourite backers were again collecting after the Paul Carberry-ridden Optimus Prime (5/4f) headed market-rival Aces Or Better on the run-in of the maiden hurdle.

Pat Doyle and his son Jack teamed up to take the bumper with the front-running An Fear Doiteain, gaining a 1 1/4L verdict over fellow newcomer Ballycullen Boy.

Alan Magee