The Joseph O’Brien-trained Cerberus, in the colours of J P McManus, might be capable of defying top-weight in the Liam Healy Memorial Lartigue Handicap Hurdle in Listowel today.
The Grade B feature, a four-year-old handicap, has attracted a cracking field of 17 with a 26lb weight-range.
Rated 138, Cerberus clearly faces a tough task conceding weight to his 16 rivals. But he’s a classy individual and, with Mark Walsh on board, will take plenty of beating.
The other graded winner in the field is Fujimoto Flyer, winner of a Grade 3 in Auteuil in September and, last time, 13 lengths second to Solo in the Adonis (Grade 2) at Kempton in February.
Others to note include Yafordadoe and the selection’s unexposed stable-companion Isotope, winner of a maiden in Wexford.
But top-weight Cerberus has a touch of class and should be tough to beat.
At Fairyhouse, 66/1 winner of the Round Tower at the Curragh last time, New Treasure might continue Jim Bolger’s rich vein of form in the listed Ballyhane Blenheim Stakes.
Dickiedooda, helped by the return to a fast surface, and wide-margin Navan winner Dense Star might chase New Treasure home.
The Coolcullen team, successful with Sasta on Saturday, might initiate a double with top-weight McCabe in the Fairyhouse Apprentice Handicap.
Back in action after his recent brush with Covid-19, Shane Crosse should strike on board Prairie Dancer in the Foran Equine Irish EBF Auction 2-Y-0 Maiden.
Peter O’Hehir's tips for Listowel
1.35 Beret Rouge
2.10 Song Of Earth
2.40 Happy Company
3.10 Cerberus
3.40 Smithscorner
4.15 Pakens Rock
4.45 Ozz ie’s Way
5.15 Light Brigade
Peter O’Hehir's tips for Fairyhouse
2.50 The Blue Panther
3.20 Theophile
3.50 Mccabe
4.25 Prairie Dancer (Nap)
4.55 Palifico
5.25 New Treasure
5.55 Billyfairplay
6.25 Sestriere
