Paul Townend discusses his Saturday rides at Listowel

I have three rides on Saturday at Listowel, starting with Bronagh’s Bell (1.45) for Willie Mullins in a Maiden Hurdle.

Shehad her first run over hurdles in Sligo the last day and I expect her toimprove plenty for it. She was off the track for a year so hopefully that runwill bring about enough improvement for her to be in the shake up here.

JosephO’Brien’s Winner Takes Itall will probably be the one to beat. He had his firstrun over hurdles at Galway. He was thrown into the deep end and he wasn’tdisgraced so he’ll be tough opposition. We are getting the mares allowance sothat’ll be a help for us along with the experience of a run.

I’m on Poker D’ainay (3.25) next and he has been fairly in and out. He disappointed at Galway but then David Mullins was very good on him at Tramore to win the last day.

Heseems to be more suited to smaller fields so 11 isn’t too bad here. He mustimprove again because he got 5llbs for the last day. It’s hard to be confidentwith him as it looks a competitive race. He’d need a career best to getinvolved.

Lastly, I ride Contingency (4:00) in a Mares Novice Chase. She won well on her only run over fences at Tramore but this is a stiffer task for her here.

Sheran well in a good 2m6f handicap hurdle in Galway and faired better than herfinishing position suggests. She has her chance here but Humm Baby will be hardto beat.

She has good course form and Michael Hourigan’s horses are hard to beat down here. She looked a natural over fences winning at Kilbeggan. Hopefully we can back up our run at Tramore over fences and be there or thereabouts as well.

Paul