Norman Williamson looks the ideal final equation for Daraheen Chief's chance in today's Smithwicks Handicap Hurdle at Listowel.
Twice a Listowel winner last year, Daraheen Chief proved his competitive credentials when runner-up in the Ladbroke and proved his well-being with a smooth win in the Havasnack at Tralee 28 days ago.
Able to cope with an ease in the ground, the Andrew McNamara trained gelding appears best on a level track and when brought with a smooth late run.
Williamson is a specialist at such tactics and he is selected to bring Daraheen Chief with a decisive challenge to beat Shantarini, his Roscommon conqueror Samapour and the top-weight Quinze who may not be suited by the ground.
Williamson is also the pick in the preceding four-year old maiden hurdle on the Martin Lynch trained Market Legacy.
Beaten just a short head by Brief Decline at Gowran, with the subsequent winner Very Tempting 10 lengths back in third, Market Legacy warmed up for this behind Brief Journey at the Curragh last Sunday and looks a better value option than the Tramore flat winner Heemanela.
An interesting runner in the opening mile maiden is Owen Roe who ran a reasonable debut behind the hotpot Ciro at Galway earlier in the month.
The Ballydoyle camp is represented by Mythological who on his El Gran Senor breeding possibly will not be suited by the going and Dermot Weld has the Tralee and Leopardstown runner-up Dashing-D. Owen Roe looks open to improvement though.
Aidan O'Brien could have better options later. The bumper horse Kilcash Castle has a huge reputation and although again the ground must come into consideration he is hard to oppose while Chaparral Lady is a speculative choice in the 12 furlong handicap.
Tower Project's light weight brings him into consideration in the Spectra Handicap Hurdle.
Muhtathir will represent Godolphin in the Group Two Grosse Europcar Meile in Cologne on Saturday.
Willie Supple will ride the 1998 Celebration Mile winner, who finished fourth at Doncaster last time out.
Dermot Weld runs Irish 2000 Guineas fourth Mus-if in an eight-runner field.
