September 22 / 16.20 Listowel

16.20

Yielding To Soft

John McGuire Handicap

  • Prize money: £21942.15
  • 1m 3f 15y
  • 11 runners
TG4
View Course
John McGuire Handicap

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly sunny

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £2.38
  • Place: £1.20

Form: 797112 BF

Last run: 56 days

W: 8st 12lb

3 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Made immediate impact upon stepping into handicap company when winning at Gowran in June (9.5f, soft) before following up at Roscommon (10.5f, yielding); unaffected by step up in trip at Galway last time when just defeated by a neck (12.5f, yielding); however, the form of that race looks shaky now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

(9)

8th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 70y

Class 1

14:35 Chester

Starford

9st 3lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Progressive in handicaps last season but took his form to a new level when getting the better of a stablemate in a Group 3 at the Curragh (1m2f, soft) last month; may yet be capable of even better, but he could do with some rain.

15/2

1st

8

(11)

19th Apr 2026

Soft

1m 2f 0y

15:35 Curragh

Starford

9st 5lb

J: Scott McCullagh

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Three-time winner, progressive in handicaps last season; unplaced in a race won by stablemate Beset on his only stakes race attempt; plenty to prove as a result.

20/1

5th

2

(19)

3rd Apr 2026

Soft

1m 2f 0y

16:17 Curragh

Starford

10st 2lb

J: J M Sheridan

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

One of four for yard; progressive in handicaps last season, winning three of his last four; commanding win at Listowel in September off 90 (1m3f, heavy); folded tamely when sent off favourite for 1m4f Listed event here in November; will need to be in top order to defy 12lb higher mark on return.

9/2

7/1

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 41-452 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Bagged third win of his career when winning at this festival last year (1m6f, yielding); no wins since but some decent efforts in defeat including when 1.75l behind Clear Quartz at Roscommon last time (1m4f, soft); can go well again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

(6)

3rd Jun 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

19:20 Curragh

Granite Bay

8st 11lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: Jarlath P Fahey

Showed good form in 2024 with a trio of wins from 1m2f-1m6f and runner-up in three of last four starts last term; plenty to take from seasonal return at Gowran in April when fourth to Holy See (1m4f, soft), rallying again late on; one to consider.

7/1

4th

3

(6)

9th Apr 2026

Soft

1m 4f 0y

19:45 Gowran Park

Granite Bay

9st 13lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: Jarlath P Fahey

Showed good form in 2024 with a trio of wins from 1m2f-1m6f and runner-up on three of last four starts last term, final occasion over this trip at Galway in October; respected on return, market could prove informative to his readiness.

11/2

6/1

  • Place: £5.10

Form: 148-01

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
6-38 with three of those coming at Galway; some moderate runs since winning there in September last year but won at Roscommon last time with 1.75l back to Granite Bay; that was just his second run over 8.5f, so there could be more improvement in him; must overcome 6lb rise but ground in his favour.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

(18)

27th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 3f 180y

15:50 Galway

Clear Quartz

9st 11lb

J: Joseph Harnett

T: Mark Fahey

6-39 with three of those coming at this venue; returned to form when beating Granite Bay over this trip at Roscommon; another solid run when third at Listowel.

7/1

4

(18)

27th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 3f 180y

15:50 Galway

Clear Quartz

9st 11lb

J: Joseph Harnett

T: Mark Fahey

6-39 with three of those coming at this venue; returned to form when beating Granite Bay over this trip at Roscommon; another solid run when third at Listowel.

7/1

3rd

4

(3)

22nd Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

1m 3f 15y

16:20 Listowel

Clear Quartz

9st 2lb

J: Reese Holohan

T: Mark Fahey

6-38 with three of those coming at Galway; some moderate runs since winning there in September last year but won at Roscommon last time with 1.75l back to Granite Bay; that was just his second run over 8.5f, so there could be more improvement in him; must overcome 6lb rise but ground in his favour.

6/1

Form: -10600

Last run: 9 days

W: 8st 11lb

6 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Got first Flat win at Limerick in June when running out a comfortable victor (12.5f, good); not a bad run in a Galway festival handicap (1m4f, yielding) in early August but still 9lb above last winning mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

12

(7)

18th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 17y

19:50 Roscommon

God Of Thunder

8st 10lb

J: Reese Holohan

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Won over hurdles and on the Flat at Limerick last year; well exposed in this discipline; money for him over C&D last week when showed a bit more than of late, beaten around 6l; up in grade here.

10/1

7th

9

(16)

11th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 46y

19:53 Roscommon

God Of Thunder

9st 9lb

J: Jared Huggan

T: Denis Gerard Hogan

Won off 8lb higher at Limerick last year (12.5f, good); yet to hit form this season and behind a few of these when last of 20 at Navan latest; revival needed.

20/1

13/2

Form: 6-3522

Last run: 63 days

W: 9st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Four-time winner but last win came two years ago; however, went close at Ballinrobe last time when stepped back up in trip to 1m5f and many of his better efforts have come on softer ground so this should be up his alley; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

(6)

23rd May 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 4f 0y

13:55 Curragh

Cristal Clere

9st 10lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: John J Nallen

Third career win came on final start last season in 1m Listowel Listed in testing conditions under a positive ride (just a day after being well beaten in handicap); balance of form is over shorter than this so others preferred on seasonal return.

16/1

1

(5)

23rd Sep 2025

Heavy

1m 0f 0y

15:50 Listowel

Cristal Clere

9st 9lb

J: Seamie Heffernan

T: John J Nallen

Top rated at 98 and mostly in good form this season; beaten 1.75l when second in a 1m5f Ballinrobe handicap on latest in July; placed in listed company at Chester (12.5f soft) a year ago but this trip surely on the sharp side; fifth 4.20 here on Monday.

11/2

5th

2

(8)

22nd Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

1m 3f 15y

16:20 Listowel

Cristal Clere

9st 13lb

J: W J Lee

T: John J Nallen

Four-time winner but last win came two years ago; however, went close at Ballinrobe last time when stepped back up in trip to 1m5f and many of his better efforts have come on softer ground so this should be up his alley; interesting.

13/2

Form: 050112

Last run: 47 days

W: 8st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
In flying form recently, winning at Roscommon (12.5f, yielding) before following up at the Galway races when upped in trip, with Burren Song .5l behind (1m4f, yielding); another positive effort at Sligo four days later under a penalty when second (10.5f, good to yielding); back up in trip looks the right move and not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

18

(1)

3rd May 2026

Yielding

1m 4f 30y

15:43 Cork

Thatwilldoso

8st 7lb

J: Jamie Powell

T: Kevin Thomas Coleman

Progressed really well last summer with wins at Roscommon and Galway; held her form well to record seconds at Sligo and Naas; should be better for a recent run at Leopardstown; 1lb wrong.

14/1

9th

9

(4)

15th Apr 2026

Yielding

1m 2f 0y

14:32 Leopardstown

Thatwilldoso

9st 3lb

J: Rory Cleary

T: Kevin Thomas Coleman

Progressed really well last summer with wins at Roscommon and Galway; holding her form well to record seconds at Sligo and Naas; fair chance if her fitness holds up.

8/1

Form: 572932 D

Last run: 11 days

W: 8st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Got fifth Flat win at Leopardstown in May off 78 (1m4f, good) and has posted some decent efforts since, including when a neck second at Clonmel last time over an extended 2m on soft; that was a lifetime best on RPRs and this drop back in trip should do him no harm; 3lb rise to overcome.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(15)

1st Jun 2026

Good

1m 4f 40y

14:34 Gowran Park

Not Just Any Eagle

10st 2lb

J: Robyn Donaghue-Leahy

T: Patrick J Flynn

Five-time winner; last scored at Leopardstown in May 2025 off 4lb lower; struggled on soft ground on seasonal return over 1m6f here in April; might need another run or two to hit top form.

28/1

10th

2

(2)

8th Apr 2026

Soft To Heavy

1m 5f 180y

17:25 Gowran Park

Not Just Any Eagle

10st 3lb

J: Robyn Donaghue-Leahy

T: Patrick J Flynn

Won his fifth race on the Flat when scoring over 1m4f at Leopardstown last year; some fine runs in defeat after up to 2m; below form last two runs but a chance if at best on return.

12/1

11

(9)

19th Oct 2025

Yielding

1m 4f 0y

16:35 Leopardstown

Not Just Any Eagle

9st 4lb

J: Robyn Donaghue-Leahy

T: Patrick J Flynn

Fifth career win came over C&D in May (good) and somewhat mixed form since, standout run when just denied over 2m1f at Clonmel last month (Bottler'secret 3L away third); heavy ground could have been too testing at Listowel last time so remains of interest back on better ground.

10/1

Form: 70-301 C

Last run: 52 days

W: 10st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Five-time winner; won a 1m5f amateur event here in 2023; two wins since then have come at the Galway races, including last time when a 5l winner of a conditions race (1m6f, yielding); his run at the Curragh prior was underwhelming when well beaten off 97; soft ground is a plus but needs to show he can do it away from Ballybrit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

3

(6)

3rd May 2026

Yielding

1m 4f 30y

15:43 Cork

Taipan

9st 9lb

J: Scott McCullagh

T: Mrs John Harrington

Five-time winner has yet to score in a handicap; won a 1m6f conditions race at Galway for the second year running last August; poor run over 1m6f on seasonal debut; stable appears to have two stronger contenders.

16/1

9th

2

(2)

30th Mar 2026

Heavy

1m 6f 0y

15:18 Navan

Taipan

9st 11lb

J: Shane Foley

T: Mrs John Harrington

Five-time winner has yet to score in a handicap; won a 1m6f conditions race at Galway for the second year running last August; below best in two runs since but goes well fresh, handles heavy ground and his yard won this last year; can't discount.

14/1

8th

6

(9)

21st Oct 2025

Soft

1m 4f 0y

16:25 Curragh

Taipan

12st 0lb

J: Mr H C Swan

T: Mrs John Harrington

Five-time winner; has shown good form at Galway, winning twice, including a 1m6f conditions event at this year's festival; soundly beaten at Listowel; fair prospect at these weights but unplaced in six Curragh outings.

9/2

Form: -06086 C

Last run: 40 days

W: 8st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Last year's winner has dropped to 4lb below that winning mark following some poor runs in the interim; but has also run with credit, including when keeping on for a 4.25l fourth at Galway on his penultimate run; not ruled out back to the scene of his victory.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

(1)

22nd Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

1m 3f 15y

16:20 Listowel

Soaring Monarch

8st 13lb

J: Jack Cleary

T: James M Barrett

Last year's winner has dropped to 4lb below that winning mark following some poor runs in the interim; but has also run with credit, including when keeping on for a 4.25l fourth at Galway on his penultimate run; not ruled out back to the scene of his victory.

10/1

6th

4

(2)

13th Aug 2025

Good

1m 4f 100y

19:05 Gowran Park

Soaring Monarch

9st 5lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: James M Barrett

Five-time winner; shaped quite well at the Curragh three runs back (1m2f); badly hampered at the same venue in race won by Fleetfoot; stayed on from off the pace in Galway event in which Fleetfoot was fourth; may get closer.

12/1

13

(18)

1st Aug 2025

Soft

1m 4f 0y

18:35 Galway

Soaring Monarch

9st 1lb

J: Nicola Burns

T: James M Barrett

Exposed five-time winner who was quite eyecatching at the Curragh two runs back (1m2f) and met with further trouble in Fleetfoot's race back there a month ago; has a tricky draw to contend with.

14/1

Form: 583273 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Four-time winner for Andrew Slattery with last win coming in 2023; went close at Galway in August (1m4f, yielding) when Thatwilldoso won; posted another decent effort at Roscommon last time when third, behind Clear Quartz and Granite Bay; can go well again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

(10)

13th Oct 2025

Heavy

1m 4f 46y

16:35 Roscommon

Burren Song

10st 2lb

J: Sam Coen

T: Ciaran Murphy

Four-time winner, latterly in 2023; continues to threaten now and again, as at Galway in August, but questionable whether he wants the ground this testing.

12/1

10th

9

(9)

22nd Sep 2025

Yielding To Soft

1m 3f 15y

16:20 Listowel

Burren Song

8st 11lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: Ciaran Murphy

Four-time winner for Andrew Slattery with last win coming in 2023; went close at Galway in August (1m4f, yielding) when Thatwilldoso won; posted another decent effort at Roscommon last time when third, behind Clear Quartz and Granite Bay; can go well again.

9/1

3rd

1

(16)

1st Sep 2025

Good To Yielding

1m 4f 17y

18:45 Roscommon

Burren Song

10st 1lb

J: Patrick McGettigan

T: Ciaran Murphy

The last of his four wins came in 2023; was just denied at Galway but was below that form at Chepstow five days later, both over this trip; 4lb higher but can run well if back to form.

8/1

OUR TIP

Form: 101-38

Last run: 110 days

W: 9st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Very useful dual-purpose performer took third in the Irish Lincolnshire this year off 94 (1m, soft); took a conditions hurdle immediately after but below his best back on the Flat following that at the Curragh and in a Grade 3 hurdle at Tipperary; comfortable winner of a two-runner hurdle at Cork last time; won't mind conditions underfoot.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

10

25th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 54y

18:05 Ballinrobe

Smooth Tom

11st 12lb

J: Cian Quirke

T: Andrew Slattery

Classy hurdler 4-11 in that sphere and rated 140; ground versatile; off since decent Flat run at the Curragh in October; returns with yard in form and his half-brother Royal Hollow has won for this stable over fences; could prove hard to beat if fit.

4/1

2nd

5

(13)

21st Oct 2025

Soft

1m 4f 0y

16:25 Curragh

Smooth Tom

12st 0lb

J: Mr A P Ryan

T: Andrew Slattery

Useful dual-purpose performer; third in the Irish Lincoln here in March; has won two small-field hurdle races at Cork since then, well below his best on the Flat at Listowel.

12/1

1

14th Oct 2025

Good

2m 2f 197y

15:05 Punchestown

Smooth Tom

11st 12lb

J: Cian Quirke

T: Andrew Slattery

Good dual-purpose performer; third in the Irish Lincoln this year off 94; won a 2m conditions hurdle at Cork in April; below best when facing a stiff task in a Grade 3 hurdle at Tipperary in July; comfortable winner of a two-runner hurdle at Cork in August; never in contention in a Flat handicap at Listowel; meets Glen Kiln on 13lb worse than handicap terms

9/4

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €8.90
Straight Forecast €7.68
Tricast €79.20
Trifecta €120.40

Selections

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Smooth Tom

POSTDATA:

Thatwilldoso

TOPSPEED:

Not Just Any Eagle

SPOTLIGHT:

Cristal Clere

The Irish Sun:

Smooth Tom