RACING/Listowel preview:Monty's Pass tries for a second Guinness Kerry National in a row today but will probably have to put up a career best performance to do it. Monty's Pass has it all to do off a rating a full 22lb higher than when successful 12 months ago.
Dorans Pride managed to win the A150,000 festival feature under 12 stone but even though he physically will have only 5lb more on his back than in 2002, Monty's Pass looks opposable from a betting view.
Of the 16-strong opposition, last year's runner-up Putsometnby again challenges, but this time from Jonjo O'Neill's Gloucestershire yard rather Kevin O'Brien's.
Putsometnby is appreciably higher in the ratings compared to his last Listowel visit and hasn't run since March. Nevertheless the English raider must have a serious chance of emulating Macs Supreme in 2000.
But if that is the case then Listowel could be in for a serious party because if Putsometnby has a big shout, then Cloudy Bays must too.
Eight of the nine members of the Cloudy Bays syndicate are from Listowel and the horse is trained in nearby Ballingarry by Charles Byrnes. If the local hope is to be successful it might be heart-stopping but thrilling at the same time.
Cloudy Bays is prone to trying to uproot the odd fence and the Listowel obstacles are formidable.
But the facts are that he is a course winner on quick ground and he is 5lb better for a length and a half Limerick defeat by Putsometnby last October.
He also comes here on the back of a good run behind Colonel Bradley at Tralee and is significantly better off for that.
Pat Verling hit the headlines with Sabadilla's Galway Hurdle success and the Cork jockey has developed a fine relationship with the tricky Cloudy Bays who will wear cheek pieces.
Michael Hourigan has a fine record in the race and could figure again with Native Performance but Cloudy Bays looks the best National option.
Another topweight with possibly a better shout is Babble On in the mile handicap. Second to Portant Fella at Limerick last time out, Colm O'Donoghue's mount is perfectly drawn in one while the third at Limerick, The Red Fellow, is on the wide outside.
Former Senator finally got off the mark at the Curragh but although disappointing overall, the Weld horse should still relish the quick conditions in the opener.
Willie Mullins has an interesting runner in the maiden hurdle in Kelly's Craft but his Royal Alphabet might be worth opposing in the conditions hurdle with The Dark Flasher.
