'He's a great jumper so Listowel will suit' - can this Cheltenham Festival winner score again over fences?

A Cheltenham Festival winner will be in attendance on the opening day of the Listowel harvest festival when Jazzy Matty, the 2023 Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle hero, bids for a fourth career success in this rated novice chase. 

He was trained by Gordon Elliott back then but is now in the care of Cian Collins, who is quickly making a name for himself and has already sent out eight winners this season.

Jazzy Matty, a 124-rated hurdler, has taken well to fences. All three of his chase outings have been at Wexford and, after a nasty start when falling three out in July, he was successful on his next visit to the track in a 2m3f beginners' chase. He couldn't follow that up in a novice chase last time but, according to Racing Post Ratings, it was an improved effort as he was given a Racing Post Rating of 121. 

Jumping appears to be Jazzy Matty's trump card and everything looks to be in place for a bold showing here. 

His former trainer has won this event twice in the last three years with Coach Carter (2021) and Chemical Energy (2022) and he relies upon the unexposed Air Drop this time. She hit an in-running low of 1-25 on the Betfair Exchange when collared late at Downpatrick 27 days ago and the decision to drop to this shorter trip looks shrewd. She looks the one to beat under Jack Kennedy. 

Gua Du Large was last seen bumping into subsequent Galway Plate winner Pinkerton in a Listed handicap chase at the Punchestown festival so takes a drop in class here. He has an official chase mark of 125, which sets a decent standard, but has been off for 143 days. 

Jet Setting Jim could be considered on the best of his form, but Air Drop might be the one with most scope for improvement and gets a tentative nod. 

What they say 

Cian Collins, trainer of Jazzy Matty
I was delighted with his run last time but it was a pity the final two fences were taken out. I think he would have gone much closer if they had to be jumped. He's just so accurate over his fences and very quick. The chase track at Listowel takes plenty of jumping so that should suit him.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Air Drop
You'd have to be delighted with the way she ran at Downpatrick. It looked like she might win for a long way and that was only her second start over fences so hopefully the experience will stand to her. She looks to have a decent chance.

John Queally, trainer of Jet Setting Jim
I was disappointed with his run at Galway last time. It's the only time he's let us down. He didn't gallop out to the line, which he normally does, so I just hoped he hasn't peaked. He seems in good form, though, and we're hoping for a good run. He had always run his race up until last time.

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