Listowel horse racing tips on Kerry National day

The Joseph O’Brien-trained Busselton has rock-solid, each-way claims in today’s €200,000 Guinness Kerry National, traditional highlight of the seven-day festival in Listowel.

In a typically competitive renewal of the National, all eyes will be on top-weight Hewick, considered a potential Gold Cup horse by trainer ‘Shark’ Hanlon and bidding to become the first horse since Life Of A Lord (in 1995) to complete the Galway Plate/Kerry National double.

But Hewick, carrying 11-12, faces a very tough task, up 8lb. for his Plate success, and attempting to become only the second horse in 25 years to carry more than 11-7 to victory in this race – subsequent Aintree Grand National victor Monty’s Pass won under 11-9 back in 2002.

Jordan Gainford’s mount, also the winner of the Bet365 Gold Cup in Sandown, must defy a mark of 163, giving upwards of 10lb. to his rivals.

The selection, Busselton, a tough five-year-old, is a consistent performer, with winning form at last year’s meeting and solid handicap form at Punchestown and Galway ahead of this biggest challenge of his career.

Sent chasing as a four-year-old, he has already notched three wins in this discipline, here, in Cork and Punchestown.

And, winner of a flat maiden at Roscommon this summer, he has filled the runner-up spot on both starts in handicap chase company, chasing home one of today’s rivals and Galway Plate third El Barra at Punchestown (he’s now 9lb. better off with that rival) and finishing second to Gabby’s Cross (reopposes on 4lb. worse terms) in the Galway Blazers last time.

Often on and off the bridle through his races, Busselton should be helped by blinkers, to help his concentration, today and he should go close for the O’Brien/JJ Slevin pairing, successful with Prairie Dancer in the Lartigue here on Monday.

Darasso and El Barra, second and third to Hewick in the Plate renew rivalry on significantly better terms and have every chance,
particularly El Barra, who should appreciate Listowel’s level terrain.

Others to note include Plate faller Fire Attack and the Willie Mullins-trained first reserve Rock Road, if he gets in.

Earlier, the Mullins-trained No Rick No Fun, unbeaten in two bumpers is napped to make a winning start in the McSweeney Brothers Maiden Hurdle.

And, if coping with the drop in trip, Bob Murphy’s stable star Darrens Hope looks a stand-out in the Ballygarry Estate Mares Novice Chase.

Peter O'Hehir's tips for Listowel:

2.00.No Risk No Fun (nap)

2.35.Amir Kabir

3.10.Wild Hunt

3.45.Darrens Hope

4.20.Busselton

4.55.Life In The Park

5.30.All The Others

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