Cheltenham hero Belfast Banter out to make class count in €80,000 feature

Friday: 2.10 Listowel
Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle (Grade B) | 2m | 5yo+ | RTV/TG4

Plenty of big-handicap regulars line up for this €80,000 prize and Willie Mullins' trio of interesting contenders look an obvious starting point, given the Closutton maestro's fine recent record in the race.

The champion trainer didn't have a runner in the 2019 race but plundered the spoils in 2017 with Lagostovegas, sent out the second and third in 2018, and last year was denied in a photo with his sole runner.

Ciel De Neige has long threatened to land a valuable pot like this, but has proved expensive to follow.

Runner-up in last year's Betfair Hurdle and a Grade B handicap at the 2021 Punchestown festival, the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle third has just the one win to his name from a Limerick maiden hurdle last December.

Mark Walsh has seemingly favoured him over JP McManus' other three representatives and it's hard to count him out of calculations, but his strike-rate is off-putting.

Ciel De Neige: 0-13 aside from Limerick maiden hurdle win as 1-8 favourite last December

Of Mullins' other two runners, Dysart Diamond, ridden by Paul Townend, appeals more than stablemate Mr Coldstone, the mount of Brian Hayes.

Gordon Elliott saddles two, Eskylane and Magic Tricks, and both have the talent to make an impact while needing to bounce back from below-par efforts.

The Peter Fahey-trained Belfast Banter, who won at Cheltenham and Aintree in the spring, bids to bounce back from a disappointing run last time.

John Ryan was out of luck when leading Guinness Kerry National contender Fairyhill Run failed to get a run in Wednesday's highlight, but has high hopes as he bids for compensation with The Little Yank.

The Charles Byrnes-trained duo of Wonder Laish and Advanced Virgo also command respect, while Winner Takes Itall is a strong player for Wednesday's Kerry National-winning trainer Joseph O'Brien.

Sexton hoping spring-festival favourite can hit top form again

Several factors seemed to count against Grade 1 novice hurdle winner Belfast Banter when he was last seen finishing in midfield in the Guinness Galway Hurdle as an 8-1 chance.

He was always going to need luck in running from off the pace and a bad mistake at the third-last ended his chance.

Rated 144, the County Hurdle hero must give weight to all 17 rivals as he attempts to bounce back on day six of the Listowel harvest festival.

Belfast Banter: Grade 1-winning novice hurdler last season seeks another big paydayCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"We ran into traffic problems at Galway. There was some carnage at the start and they probably didn't go quick enough for him too," said jockey Kevin Sexton.

"I felt he was getting into it before the third-last and my saddle slipped after then, so I thought he did well to finish where he did [12th of 20].

"He has plenty of weight but is the class horse of the race. He seemed to work well the other day."

What they say

Willie Mullins, trainer of Ciel De Neige, Dysart Diamond and Mr Coldstone
We're keeping the blinkers on Ciel De Neige and hopefully if we can get the tactics right I think there's a big handicap to be won with him. The ground should suit Dysart Diamond and Mr Coldstone.

Winner Takes Itall: one of four JP McManus-owned contenders in Friday's feature at ListowelCredit: Caroline Norris (racingpost.com/photos)

Frank Berry, racing manager to JP McManus, owner of Ciel De Neige, Magic Tricks, Hearts Are Trumps and Winner Takes Itall
Ciel De Neige has been competitive in these races without winning one. Willie [Mullins] is happy with him, so hopefully he'll give a good account. Magic Tricks was disappointing in the Galway Hurdle and nothing came to light afterwards. Hopefully he can bounce back. Hearts Are Trumps never seems to run a bad race and we're hoping he'll put up another good effort. It seemed to be an off-day for some reason at Killarney last time for Winner Takes Itall. He won't mind the good ground and hopefully he can give a better account.

Denis Hogan, trainer and rider of Bua Boy
He ran well in this race last year when rated 6lb lower. The form of his last run at Galway when second to Arcadian Sunrise was done no harm by the winner on the Flat since. He's at the right end of the weights and is in good form.

John Ryan, trainer of The Little Yank
He's flying and has a lovely weight at 10st 8lb. I think he has a real chance if they water the ground enough to keep it safe.

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