Touch The Moon 2/3: Durkan and Byrnes Set to Strike at Listowel
Saturday’s action kicks into gear with two meetings in Ireland — Listowel and Tramore — and while graded races are off the menu, there’s still plenty for punters to sink their teeth into. One name standing tall on today’s cards is Touch The Moon, a 2/3 favourite in Listowel’s 14:41 two-miler. The Willie Durkan-trained gelding has generated a buzz with his progressive form, and with Philip Byrnes claiming 5lbs aboard, the partnership looks primed to deliver.
Touch The Moon steps back in trip after a respectable runner-up effort over 2m4f on good ground at Punchestown earlier this month. He was only a neck shy of victory that day and his high cruising speed and fluent jumping style will be better suited to today’s 2m 100y trip on similarly good going. Durkan’s strike rate at Listowel is an eye-catching 24% across the past three seasons, and Philip Byrnes has been making waves with a profitable +£17 to a £1 stake on favourites in the last 12 months. At 2/3, Touch The Moon might not be an each-way price but is a banker for many accumulators today. If you’re yet to finalise yours, check our accumulator tips for the latest advice.
Mr Writer 4/9: Fanshawe Proves the King of Catterick
Switching across the Irish Sea to the Catterick 14:58 (7f 6y), short-priced favourite Mr Writer at 4/9 dominates proceedings. Under the expert guidance of Daniel Muscutt, the J R Fanshawe-trained colt has emerged as a model of consistency. He boasts a powerful pedigree geared toward shorter trips and will relish today’s Good to Firm going.
Fanshawe’s record speaks for itself, operating at a 21% strike rate in Catterick’s flat handicaps, while Muscutt isn’t just an able pilot — his 2026 season to date has yielded a phenomenal 27% win rate aboard favourites. Mr Writer demolished a similar field by five lengths last time out at Doncaster, proving he can quicken impressively off a strong pace. This is the standout win bet for those who like backing sure things. Don’t forget to track him on our live racecard for updated odds and in-running details.
Big-Field Handicaps at Tramore: Jockey Skillset to Make the Difference
Tramore hosts a bumper eight-race card, and key races like the 19:00 (18 runners, 2m 50y, Good to Good-to-Yielding) handicaps will test both horsemanship and tactical nous. Keep a close eye on Declan Queally Jr., an emerging star in these big-field scenarios. At Tramore, horses positioned mid-pack often have an edge due to the unique track configuration — Queally has excelled under such circumstances, landing four wins from 18 starts in big-field handicaps at this venue.
One longshot of intrigue here is Liceo (40/1, 19:30), a P J O’Hanlon mount for trainer Sean Aherne. Although winless in eight starts, Liceo showed glimpses of potential when keeping on from the rear in a similar Tramore contest last month. He’s overpriced in a weak novice field today and makes for an appealing each-way play. Add him to your fancies by checking our each-way selections.
Value Hunters: Big Prices with Real Bite
Patience will be rewarded for those willing to take a chance on large-odds runners today. One that leaps off the page is Golden Mabel, a whopping 200/1 outsider in the Chester 13:15. Jockey Millie Wonnacott has shown finesse in getting underdogs to punch above their weight, and while this five-year-old mare faces a daunting task, her fourth-place finish in a Class 5 contest earlier this month suggests there’s more ability than the market gives her credit for.
Another worth noting is the Paul Doyle-trained Beauforts Storm (50/1) in the Tramore 17:23 — his stamina for a 2m 4f trip is evident, and an improved jumping display could see him sneak into the places. Curious where these horses stack up statistically? Use our horse comparison tool for an in-depth breakdown.
Key Trainers to Back on Saturday
It’s not just the horses that make or break a punter’s day; its sharp-eyed trainers who unearth winners when the going gets tough. At Listowel, look to Willie Durkan’s quartet of runners (two favourites) to deliver, including Touch The Moon in the featured handicap at 14:41. Meanwhile, James Fanshawe is bringing just two horses to Catterick but both are strongly fancied — Mr Writer (4/9) will be particularly tough to oppose in the 14:58. At Tramore, Sharon Sexton remains one to note when her horses are well-backed late in the market; she’s sent out three last-minute plunges this year, all resulting in wins.
Best Bets Summary
- NAP: Touch The Moon (Listowel 14:41) — 2/3
- Next Best: Mr Writer (Catterick 14:58) — 4/9
- Each-Way Play: Liceo (Tramore 19:30) — 40/1
- Longshot to Watch: Golden Mabel (Chester 13:15) — 200/1
With 14 races across two tracks and a range of fascinating trainer-jockey combinations, today offers plenty of ammunition for eager bettors. Whether you’re stacking favourites in an accumulator or hunting value in big-field handicaps, the AI selections alongside insights into trainer-jockey stats form a solid foundation. See all of today’s tips and check fast results to stay ahead of the bookies.
