Despite the cold frost that hit most of Ireland last night Clonmel avoided the worst with the first race due off to post at Powerstown Park at 1:40. The going is currently heavy.
The opening Clonmel Festival Week Maiden Hurdle looks a wide open contest and a chance is taken with the John “Shark” Hanlon trained Coolking who has failed to impress over hurdles but was third in a decent bumper that was won by Ipsos Du Berlais at Galway in October. Brian Hayes is booked to ride.
The Mares Novice Hurdle has only attracted five runners and it looks to be a shake up between Is Herself About and Noras Fancy with slight preference for Noras Fancy who can put her stinking run at Fairyhouse behind her.
Knockgraffon King is worth giving a chance in the Listed Surehaul Mercedes Benz Novice Hurdle for trainer Noel Meade and jockey Davy Condon. Folsom Blue and Daring Article look the dangers.
Despite a long layoff, the Willie Mullins Immediate Response looks the one to beat in the Handicap Hurdle with Patrick Mullins taking the ride.
Willie Mullins saddles two of the five runners in the
Clonmel Festival Week Steeplechase.
Cooldine runs in his new colours and would probably want the ground a bit better so
The Midnight Club who finished sixth in last year’s Aintree Grand National looks the one to beat.
Trafford Lad,
Toomdeely and the mare
Leanne make up the field.
Billytheblacksmith is the subject of a morning gamble for owner JP McManus and may be the one to get on in the Beginners Steeplechase with Mark Walsh booked to ride the Michael Hourigan trained five year old.
Mayo Calling looks a solid each way bet in the concluding Hunters Steeplechase with Boxer Georg looking the main danger.
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Clonmel Selections
1:40 Coolking each way
2:10 Noras Fancy
2:40 Knockgraffon King
3:10 Immediate Response
3:40 The Midnight Club
4:10 Billytheblacksmith each way
4:40 Mayo Calling each way
Happy Punting – Giddy Up
