Review LISTOWEL 23RD SEP

Mister Month is on target for the Munster National at Limerick next month after gaining a deserved big race win in the featured Dawn Milk Handicap Chase.

Charlie Swan's charge took full advantage of mistakes by his rivals in the straight, staying on well for rider David Casey to beat Jawad by three quarters of a length.

'You want a bit of patience in this game as Noel O'Flaherty bought this horse five years ago after an impressive bumper win,' said a delighted Swan.

He added, 'He's broken down twice since and had a wind operation at the end of last season but has won twice since then so it's obviously worked.'

Sean Flanagan was seen to great effect when giving Kingsmaster a super front-running ride to land the two miles winners hurdle.

After setting a strong pace up front, he gave the 6yo a breather down the back straight before kicking clear again on the home turn to beat Boulavogue by 4 1/2L.

Disappointment of the race was Leg Spinner, with the uneasy 11/10 favourite finding nothing under pressure from three out before trailing home in eighth.

Successful trainer Lar Byrne let out a sigh of relief before saying, 'This racing game is tough. I knew he was in super form today and I'm not sure now whether we'll go for another hurdle or send him chasing.'

Three-time bumper winner Life For Rent opened his jumping account when appreciating the step up to three miles in the opening maiden hurdle.

Andrew Lynch's mount led approaching the straight, and kept on strongly on the run-in to beat Ira Gumberg by three lengths.

'The step up in trip suited him and I've no doubt that he'll make a nice chaser. He's a 7yo that's had his troubles but is a good horse and could go over fences soon later than later,' said trainer Paul Gilligan.

Vale Of Avocia supplemented victories at Cork and Tramore last month by completing a hat-trick in the mares handicap hurdle.

The six-year-old relishes coming past horses and Davy Russell carried out orders to perfection, heading Cluain Arra at the last to score by two lengths.

'She's turned inside out since she started winning, and needs an ease in the ground. To win three in a row is unbelievable as she's a small mare but all heart,' said trainer Willie Codd.

The Joanna Morgan-trained Show Blessed, runner-up on the beach at Laytown earlier this month, recorded a shock 20/1 win in the beginners chase.

John Cullen's mount settled the issue with two brave leaps in the straight before holding on by a diminishing three quarters of a length from Druids Castle.

The Buck, available at 14/1 in the morning and backed down to 11/2 on track, justified good support in division one of the two and a half miles handicap hurdle.

Eddie Power sent the dual purpose gelding to the front two out and, following a mistake at the last, rallied strongly in the closing stages to get back up for a neck verdict over Bellflower Boy.

Division two was another triumph for watchers of morning price market moves as El Jo, also supported from 14/1, scored at 9/1 in the hands of 7lb claimer Stephen Gray.

'I'm delighted for his owner John Carey who is a good supporter of mine and hasn't had the best of runs over the past year. Stephen gave him a good ride and is coming of age,' said trainer Michael Hourigan.

First reserve Pistol Flash got into the 1m6f amateur riders race following a number of non-runners, and easily drew clear in the closing stages for Jason McKeown to beat Top The Charts by 2 1/2L.

Alan Magee