Listowel Sunday: Captain a Sensible Choice in Feature Handicap

Michael O’ Callaghan’s handicap debutant Captain Vancouver is taken to make all on a track which should suit

15:45 www.listowelraces.ie Maiden

Cockalorum sets the standard, and probably hasn’t been helped by slowly run races at Dundalk on both starts to date, but he’s hardly guaranteed a race conducive to his latent stamina here, either, and he looks vulnerable again, with Tremendous Leap expected to have too much toe for Mick Halford’s runner. Tremendous Leap improved when runner-up to El Greco at Cork last time, and while he will probably stay a bit further than a mile, still appeals as the likeliest winner given his rate of progress and the solidity of the Cork form, where he sandwiched proven rivals. He can go on to pay his way in handicaps for Joseph O’Brien.

Tip: Back Tremendous Leap @ SP

16:15 St John’s Literary Centre Handicap

This looks a nightmare at first, second and third glance, but Intense Starlet make some appeal at the forecast prices, and while her form figures don’t inspire confidence, she wasn’t beaten far in much better races than this at Dundalk for her previous yard in October, and could be the answer on her debut for Eoin McCarthy. McCarthy has yet to saddle a flat winner on turf, but has had some success in points and over hurdles, and is capable enough granted the ammunition.

Tip: Back Intense Starlet @ SP

16:45 George Fitzmaurice Handicap

Captain Vancouver is unexposed with handicaps in mind, and produced his best effort to date when second in a big-field maiden at Leopardstown recently, making most of the running and reeled in late in the day. He seemed to benefit from the fitting of a visor for the first time, and showed enough dash to suggest the drop back to seven furlongs would be a positive now striking out in handicaps. The handicapper has not been harsh with a mark of 84, although he’ll need to improve a little more to defy it. The selection is well drawn to attack on this turning track and can score for the trainer/jockey combination of Michael O’Callaghan and Gary Halpin.

Tip: Back Captain Vancouver @ SP