Plans fluid after disappointing Dear run Plans are fluid for Listen Dear after her winning run came to an end at Naas on Saturday. The Willie Mullins-trained seven-year-old claimed her sixth successive race in a Grade Three at Cork in December and was odds-on to make it seven on the bounce in the Listed Opera Hat Mares Chase. The daughter of Robin Des Champs soon adopted her customary pacemaking role, but weakened quickly in the home straight and finished a well-beaten fourth of five runners. Steve Massey, racing manager for owners the Supreme Horse Racing Club, said: "She was very disappointing. We were expecting her to run a big race, but she ran a bit flat on the day. "She jumped OK and went from the front as she usually does, but she emptied quickly in the straight. "We think the ground was the biggest factor. Although it was soft to heavy when she won at Cork, the ground was loose that day and it was much stickier at Naas on Saturday." Listen Dear holds Cheltenham Festival entries in the Arkle Trophy and the Mares' Hurdle, with the former mentioned as a possible target before the weekend. "I've not discussed plans with Willie. She is entered in the Arkle, but it looks almost impossible that anything will beat Altior, who was brilliant at Newbury over the weekend," Massey added. "I'll have a chat with Willie in the next couple of weeks and see where we go."
