Ladies Day tips for the Listowel Races: Brian Flanagan previews the sixth day of the Festival

Former Miss World Rosanna Davidson to judge Best Dressed Lady as punters look for winners on the track

Friday is Ladies Day at the Listowel races and up to 30,000 punters are expected through the gates at the north Kerry racecourse.

Former Miss World Rosanna Davidson, and award-winning fashion designer Heidi Higgins are the judges for the 2024 McElligotts Kia Best Dressed Lady with the overall winner's prize a trip to New York.

A party atmosphere is expected and the weather forecast is for mainly dry conditions.

It might be Ladies Day off the track but on the course but it's MAN O WORK (2.40) that can be the hero of the hour in the featured €100,000 MCG Handicap Hurdle for the second year in succession.

Paul Fahey's six-year-old was a snug winner of this race 12 months ago under Cian Cullinan and the trio can strike again on a day when the Kerry venue will be packed.

He ran a real eye-catching race on the flat at Killarney last time out and is only 6lbs higher than 12 months ago.

IT'SALLABOUTEVE (3.15) is a locally owned eight-year-old that has a strong each-way chance in the Southampton Goodwill Plate Handicap Hurdle. She's a strong travelling filly that was second here at the June meeting before winning over fences at Tipperary in July.

She's a half-sister to Cheltenham Festival winner Balthazar King and jockey Cal Shine takes off a valuable 7lbs from her task. The ground drying out would enhance her chances.

The opening maiden hurdle is an interesting race where IRISH PANTHER (2.05) is a horse that wouldn't be winning out of turn.

He's been remarkably placed in all six of his runs and kept some decent company in the past few seasons in winter maiden hurdles and bumpers.

Edward O'Grady's gelding takes on some Willie Mullins opposition but the form that saw him placed behind superstars Ballyburn and Fact To File in bumpers is easily the best on offer.

In the lucky last it may pay to follow Patrick Mullins and Tralee-based trainer Tom Cooper, who team up with AMEN KATE (5.35).

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