Today's Racing Tips: Two to back at Listowel from Betfair racing trader Ryan McCue

Listowel, 15:07 - Back Ben Hur @ 13/27.50

5

Ben Hur (Ire)

• J: Donagh Meyler
• T: Noel Meade, Ireland
• F: 215-

• SBK 13/2
• EXC 7

The Lartigue Hurdle is always an extremely competitive race and this year's €60,000 prize pot has attracted another strong field. There are plenty of runners who can make a case, but for me Ben Hur makes the most appeal at the prices.

His last two starts have come on the Flat, running off handicap marks in the 70s, and he showed up very well when returning from a break at Galway before improving again when finishing second at Leopardstown towards the end of August. That recent match practice could prove a big advantage here, particularly with this being his first run back over hurdles for some time.

He's only had three starts over hurdles, so there should still be plenty of scope for improvement. After winning his maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse, he was thrown straight into Grade 2 company at Leopardstown over Christmas. He was beaten 14 lengths by Narciso Has that day but wasn't disgraced, and importantly, he now returns to handicap company off a mark of 124.

I wouldn't be surprised if Noel Meade has had a race like this in mind for him, and the combination of his relatively low mileage over hurdles, recent Flat form and potentially lenient handicap mark makes him very interesting.

Listowel, 16:17 - Back Moylussa @ 17/29.50

13

Moylussa (Ire)

• J: Donagh Meyler
• T: Maike Magnussen, Ireland
• F: 2/464-7332

• SBK 11/1
• EXC 1.05

Another fiercely competitive handicap hurdle, but one where Moylussa really stands out to me for trainer Maike Magnussen.

He comes into the race off the back of a series of very consistent efforts in similar handicaps and, importantly, the handicapper hasn't appeared to have taken any liberties with him. He remains on a mark that I feel he is capable of winning from, and this looks like a good opportunity to get his head back in front.

Donagh Meyler takes the ride today and he has actually ridden Moylussa once before earlier in his career when the horse was trained by Tom Hogan. His return to the saddle is an interesting angle, and hopefully the pair can build on the horse's recent consistency.

The trip looks ideal, while Moylussa has also shown that he can perform on better ground, so there don't appear to be too many obvious excuses from a conditions point of view. His recent form suggests he is running consistently well without quite getting the rewards, and a race like this could be the one where everything falls right.

He looks another horse who should be competitive at an each-way price, particularly with the extra places available. If he can reproduce his recent form and get a decent position in the race, I can see him going very close.

Now read more Horse Racing tips and previews here