Clonmel – Tuesday 22nd March

There is something very pleasant about sifting through a midweek card at Clonmel and trying to make head or tail of some tricky maidens, some frightening handicaps and usually a sticky bumper to go with it. However, it’s the puzzle that makes the enjoyment, and I for one am hopeful in three selections for today’s action at Clonmel to hopefully give us something to cheer about. 

Starting off with the 2.18 race, which is the 2m2f maiden hurdle and it is fair to say that there are no world beaters in this line-up. In fact, the current favorite, trained by Louise Lyons – was beaten 35 lengths in a bumper at Wexford last time, so the standard of form to work with here is minimal. I think there is a bit of juice in the price of For The Cause, for the John McConnell team – with Brian Hayes taking the ride on this occasion. Throughout his PtP career and his early start under rules, his jumping has been his achilles heel, and he will have to jump slicker to have a proper chance in this line-up. However, his runs have been getting better and better, and it looks like he has primed to strike closely in a contest such as this if his recent run at Navan was anything to go by. At a price of 5/1 with SkyBet, who are paying out 4 places, he is an each way bet. 

The 3.28 from Clonmel is the 2m handicap hurdle for horses rated between 80-95, so therefore it is typically competitive at this level. I am going to take a chance on the top weight in this race, and hope that there is room for maneuver in the mark of Carrigeen Castle, for the shrewd combination of Jim Dreaper and Keith Donoghue. This horse boasted a solid PtP run before a decent start in maiden hurdles, but he has been disappointed on his last couple of starts. That includes on his handicap bow last time out at Navan, when failing to get home over 2m5f on heavy ground. That can be excused and the handicapper has knocked him down a few pounds for that effort. He returns to a more suitable trip on this occasion, and he should have a chance of being competitive. At a price of 9/1 with Paddy Power, who are paying out 5 places – he is another each way bet. 

The final selection for the day comes in the 4.03 race, which is the 2m beginners chase and there does not look like there are too many in this that will be able to land a blow. After his blowout last time out behind Mt Leinster, I think it might be the turn of Shantou Lucky to get his first win over the big obstacles, for an in-form combination of Gavin Cromwell and Darragh O’Keeffe. This horse had some decent form over hurdles this season and jumped well despite getting a tender ride on his chasing debut behind a strong rival. If continuing to progress from that effort, he should take all the beating in this race. Yabo holds a danger to the selection, but I was disappointed with his finishing effort last time out and can be opposed on that basis. At a price of 11/4 with Bet365, he looks a good bet.