16:45 Thu 11 May 2023

TOTE ALWAYS SP OR BETTER GUARANTEED MARES MAIDEN HURDLE

Distance 2m 54y

Prize €10,500 Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 15

Going Soft (Yielding in places)

1. Je T’ai Porte: Je T’ai Porte has been a steady improver over hurdles, notably coming in clear second on better ground in a 2m Kilbeggan maiden last month. However, the return to softer ground for this race might not work in her favour.
2. Stormie Outlook: Stormie Outlook has shown a fair level of form on the Flat on soft ground, including a recent fourth-place finish at Limerick. As she’s now switched to hurdles and with her yard among the recent winners, she could be a contender in this race.
3. Up And Out: Up And Out has shown a fair level of form in ordinary maidens, notably coming in as runner-up at Tramore and last month when chasing home a ready winner at Kilbeggan when back on better ground. This race doesn’t seem any stronger, so she could be in contention, although she would prefer better ground.
4. Phils Choice: Phils Choice has been placed several times in bumpers without significant progression, and looked set to make a winning debut over hurdles at Limerick when she ran out and was pulled-up over hurdles next time. She comes with many question marks, however.

Worth noting: Ned’s Legacy caught the eye on her Tramore debut last month, staying on from way off the pace (reportedly running green) to finish a remote third. More is expected of her now, and she could be a dark horse in this race.

17:18 Thu 11 May 2023

TOTE FANTASY WHO’S IN OUR STABLE HANDICAP HURDLE

Distance 2m 54y

Prize €15,000 Rated (80-123) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 15

Going Soft (Yielding in places)

1. Grange Walk: Grange Walk is a good class handicap chaser who has shown form in his recent starts, notably when following up an unlucky fall at Leopardstown with victory in a Grade B contest at Gowran. He hasn’t been as effective over hurdles, but given the good chase form and the considerably lower mark in this contest, he should be among the contenders. His performance at Punchestown two weeks ago, where he was unable to get involved, might be a point of concern.
2. Bal De Rio: Bal De Rio is a four-time winner over hurdles and recently performed well at Ballinrobe and Kilbeggan. He has a more solid handicap form than many other runners and handles most ground types, which should put him in good stead for this race.
3. Betty Dutton: Betty Dutton, a maiden hurdle winner, was not disgraced on her handicap debut at Kilbeggan last month and should come on for that experience. However, it’s worth noting that she is the first reserve for this race.
4. Big Island: Big Island put in a good performance in a good ground handicap hurdle at Galway in September and returned well with a third-place finish in a 1m handicap at Limerick last month, suggesting he could be in contention.

Worth noting: Boom Boom Boom has recent form on the Flat, winning a 1m4f handicap at Dundalk in November. He hasn’t run over hurdles since 2021 but could be of interest given his potential mark. Pont Audemer, despite the handicapper not making it easy with a 16lb increase after a win at Limerick in January, has run at least as well in two handicap starts since and might not be far away once more.

17:48 Thu 11 May 2023

CAMIDA PERFECT CHEMISTRY RATED NOVICE HURDLE

Distance 2m 54y

Prize €15,500 Rated (0-123) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 5

Going Soft (Yielding in places

Based on the comments and rankings provided, here is an analysis of the horses and my top 4 selections for the race:

1. Western Comandor (IRE):

• Comments: Won a maiden hurdle at Down Royal and appeared to perform well over about 2m. Showed a preference for going left-handed.
• Rankings: Highest total rating of 311.6. Consistent ratings in previous races.
• Assessment: Western Comandor has demonstrated ability over hurdles and has a clear preference for the distance and going. The previous win at Down Royal is a positive indicator, making it a strong contender for this race.

1. Stuzzikini (IRE):

• Comments: Didn’t perform well in the Down Royal maiden hurdle but bounced back to form with a win in a Kilbeggan maiden hurdle. Carries weight but has a chance if in the same form.
• Rankings: Total rating of 311.4.
• Assessment: Stuzzikini had a poor performance in the Down Royal maiden hurdle, but the subsequent win at Kilbeggan suggests a return to form. Carrying weight could be a challenge, but if it can replicate the recent success, it can be a competitive contender.

1. Wasthatok:

• Comments: Respectable efforts in bumper races and won a Kilbeggan maiden hurdle despite some novicey jumping. Expected to improve further.
• Rankings: Total rating of 298.2.
• Assessment: Wasthatok has shown potential in previous races and displayed improvement by winning a maiden hurdle. The only concern is the novicey jumping, which needs to be addressed. However, considering the scope for improvement, it should not be overlooked as a strong contender.

1. Gentleman Joe:

• Comments: Ran well on handicap debut in a novice handicap and unseated the rider when in contention at Punchestown. Likely to prefer a longer distance.
• Rankings: Total rating of 291.7.
• Assessment: Gentleman Joe has shown promise in previous races, including a decent performance on handicap debut. The unseating at Punchestown is a setback, and the preference for a longer distance might not be ideal for this race. However, based on past performances, it remains a respected contender.

Additional overlooked contender:

• Estepona Sun: Consistently placed in hurdle races but has yet to secure a win. Previous performance in a Flat handicap was not impressive. While it cannot be entirely disregarded, the lack of a winning record puts it at a disadvantage compared to the top contenders.

18:18 Thu 11 May 2023

CLONMEL RACECOURSE SUPPORTERS CLUB (C & G) MAIDEN HURDLE

Distance 2m 3f 25y

Prize €10,000 Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 18

Going Soft (Yielding in places)

Based on the comments and rankings provided, here is an analysis of the horses and my top 4 selections for the race:

1. Fameaftertheglory:

• Comments: Highly regarded as a bumper horse but has been disappointing in hurdle races. Multiple opportunities to win, and this race presents another chance. Must come good at some point.
• Rankings: Highest total rating of 322.1. Consistent ratings in previous races.
• Assessment: Fameaftertheglory has shown potential in bumpers but has yet to translate that into success over hurdles. However, given the high rating and the belief that he has a winnable opportunity, he remains a strong contender for this race.

1. Marv Michael (IRE):

• Comments: Winner of a point-to-point race but disappointed on his track debut. Likely capable of better.
• Rankings: Total rating of 243.8.
• Assessment: Marv Michael showed promise in the point-to-point race but had a disappointing track debut. It is expected that he can improve from that performance, making him a viable contender in this maiden hurdle.

1. Itso Vango (IRE):

• Comments: Ran creditably in a couple of maiden hurdles last summer. Returning after a nine-month break and a change of equipment (first-time tongue-tie).
• Rankings: Total rating of 235.5.
• Assessment: Itso Vango has shown some potential in previous races and could benefit from the drop in trip and the addition of a tongue-tie. The break may have done him good, and if he returns in good form, he can be a competitive contender.

1. Skradin (IRE):

• Comments: Runner-up in a maiden hurdle at Clonmel over 2m on heavy ground. Longer trip might help in this race.
• Rankings: Total rating of 234.3.
• Assessment: Skradin has shown promise with a second-place finish in a previous hurdle race at Clonmel. The step up in trip could be beneficial, and considering the heavy ground, Skradin could be a strong contender in this race.

Additional overlooked contender:

• Power Hour: Second in a maiden hurdle at Tramore last month, showing improvement after a year’s absence. Has the potential to be in the mix with a repeat performance.

18:48 Thu 11 May 2023

CAMIDA THE SOURCE HANDICAP HURDLE (D.I)

Distance 2m 3f 25y

Prize €10,500 Rated (80-95) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 19

Going Soft (Yielding in places

Based on the comments and rankings provided, here is an analysis of the horses and my top 4 selections for the race:

1. Lilian Bland (IRE):

• Comments: Solid performances in handicap hurdles, including a clear second over the same course and distance last month. 4lb higher but expected to go well.
• Rankings: Highest total rating of 241.7. Consistent ratings in previous races.
• Assessment: Lilian Bland has shown consistency in handicap hurdles and delivered a strong performance in the last outing at Clonmel. Despite the weight increase, it is expected to be a competitive contender in this race.

1. Go Gill Go (IRE):

• Comments: Maiden hurdle winner and stepped up nicely in a third-place finish at Tipperary last month. Has room for improvement.
• Rankings: Total rating of 238.6.
• Assessment: Go Gill Go has shown promise with a maiden hurdle win and an encouraging performance in the recent outing. With further improvement, it can be a strong contender in this handicap hurdle.

1. Rathnaleen Kal:

• Comments: Impressive on handicap debut at Tipperary, finishing strongly behind the winner and well clear of Go Gill Go. Longer trip should suit.
• Rankings: Total rating not provided, but placed ahead of Go Gill Go in the comments.
• Assessment: Rathnaleen Kal delivered a strong performance on handicap debut, staying on strongly in the closing stages. The longer trip is expected to be beneficial, and considering its recent form, it should be a major player in this race.

1. Aliunde:

• Comments: Showed improvement in the comeback run at Downpatrick and should perform well if coping with the drop in trip.
• Rankings: Total rating of 227.3.
• Assessment: Aliunde demonstrated improvement in the last race, indicating that it is on the right track. The drop in trip might be a slight concern, but if it can handle it well, it should be in contention.

Additional overlooked contender:

• Yewood (IRE): Placed in a point-to-point and showed promise in the last maiden hurdle with the application of a tongue tie. Not one to be ruled out on handicap debut.

19:18 Thu 11 May 2023

CAMIDA THE SOURCE HANDICAP HURDLE (D.II)

Distance 2m 3f 25y

Prize €10,500 Rated (80-95) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 17

Going Soft (Yielding in places)

Based on the comments and rankings provided, here is an analysis of the horses and my top 4 selections for the race:

1. Anstand (GER):

• Comments: Runner-up over 2m here in February on soft ground. Recent form has been below expectations. Blinkers now tried.
• Rankings: Highest total rating of 202.4. Consistent ratings in previous races.
• Assessment: Anstand has shown some promise with a second-place finish in a previous race at Clonmel. The recent form has been disappointing, but with the addition of blinkers, it could improve performance. Considering the high total rating, it remains a strong contender.

1. Ventnor (IRE):

• Comments: Placed twice over hurdles last season, including at Clonmel over 2m on soft ground. Unproven over this distance.
• Rankings: Total rating of 210.0.
• Assessment: Ventnor has shown promise with previous hurdle performances, especially on soft ground. While unproven over this distance, the previous placings indicate its ability to be competitive in this race.

1. Sunwalk:

• Comments: Middle-distance AW winner. Has struggled in hurdle races so far.
• Rankings: Total rating of 234.1.
• Assessment: Sunwalk has yet to find success in hurdle races, and its performances have been below par. However, with the previous AW win, there is a chance for improvement. It remains a potential contender, although its hurdles form is a concern.

1. Beat Of The Sea:

• Comments: Has two wins at Kilbeggan, including on soft ground. Has performed well after breaks.
• Rankings: Total rating not provided.
• Assessment: Beat Of The Sea has shown promise with wins at Kilbeggan and has demonstrated the ability to perform well after breaks. Considering the track conditions and past performances, it should not be overlooked as a potential contender.

Additional overlooked contender:

• Lough Na Fooey: Showed promise in a Limerick maiden last term and has a handicap mark 6lb lower than the opening mark. Potential improver if the ground dries out.

19:48 Thu 11 May 2023

TALBOT HOTEL CLONMEL HANDICAP HURDLE

Distance 2m 3f 25y

Prize €12,000 Rated (80-109) Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 17

Going Soft (Yielding in places)

Based on the comments and rankings provided, here is an analysis of the horses and my top 4 selections for the race:

1. Lucky Zebo:

• Comments: Showed promise in maiden races and won on handicap debut at Kilbeggan last month. Faces softer conditions and a weight rise.
• Rankings: Highest total rating of 354.6. Positive comments on recent form and improvement.
• Assessment: Lucky Zebo has shown promise in previous races and performed well to win on handicap debut. The weight rise and softer conditions may pose a challenge, but considering the high total rating and positive comments on recent form, it remains a strong contender.

1. Stilyker (IRE):

• Comments: Showed promise in maidens and won a handicap at Tramore last June. Goes well fresh and respected.
• Rankings: Total rating not provided.
• Assessment: Stilyker has shown potential in maidens and had a successful handicap win at Tramore. The absence since then suggests some issues, but considering its ability to perform well fresh, it should be respected as a contender in this race.

1. Criminal Mischief (IRE):

• Comments: Marked improvement to win a maiden at Clonmel in March. Fair effort on handicap debut. Jumping needs improvement.
• Rankings: Total rating of 292.3. Positive comments on recent form and improvement.
• Assessment: Criminal Mischief has shown improvement in recent races, particularly with a maiden win at Clonmel. The jumping needs improvement, but the overall performance has been positive. It should be considered as a potential contender.

1. Solitary Man:

• Comments: Made a bright start to the career and performed well in stronger maiden races. Less exposed and respected entering handicap company.
• Rankings: Total rating not provided.
• Assessment: Solitary Man has shown promise in previous races, including a strong start to the career and competitive performances in maiden races. Being less exposed and entering handicap company, it remains a horse to be respected and considered as a potential contender.

Additional overlooked contender:

• Hans Gruber: Showed promise with good maiden form and won a point-to-point after a long absence. Decent third in a 3m maiden hurdle. Interesting back in trip for handicap debut.

20:18 Thu 11 May 2023

NEXT RACE MEETING FRIDAY JUNE 9th MARES I.N.H. FLAT

Distance 2m 54y

Prize €10,000 Age 4yo+ Race State Declaration Runners 14

Going Soft (Yielding in places)

Based on the comments and rankings provided, here is an analysis of the horses and my top 4 selections for the race:

1. Silver Lark (IRE):

• Comments: Just failed to win a bumper debut at Thurles and disappointing at Down Royal subsequently. Showed potential in the Thurles run.
• Rankings: Highest total rating of 249.2. Positive comments on the debut performance.
• Assessment: Silver Lark showed promise in the debut bumper at Thurles and narrowly missed out on a win. Despite the disappointing subsequent run, the positive comments on the debut performance and the high total rating make her a strong contender in this race.

1. Colleen Danu (IRE):

• Comments: Not disgraced in three bumpers but needs to improve.
• Rankings: Total rating of 211.3. Positive comments on previous performances.
• Assessment: Colleen Danu has shown promise in previous bumper races and has not been disgraced. While improvement is needed, the positive comments and a decent total rating indicate that she can be a contender in this race.

1. Smile Again (IRE):

• Comments: Beaten by a significant margin in debut heavy ground race.
• Rankings: Total rating of 153.4.
• Assessment: Smile Again had a disappointing debut race in heavy ground and was well beaten. Considering this performance, it may be best to approach this horse with caution and observe for any signs of improvement in subsequent races.

1. Noble Annys (IRE):

• Comments: Ran okay with a third-place finish in a bumper at Down Royal but failed to step up in subsequent races.
• Rankings: Total rating of 152.1. Positive comments on the third-place finish.
• Assessment: Noble Annys showed promise with a third-place finish in a bumper at Down Royal. However, the subsequent performances were not as strong. The positive comments on the third-place finish suggest some ability, but it remains to be seen if she can improve in this race.

Additional overlooked contender:

• Old Ground: Well-bred newcomer and looks to have been found a good debut opportunity. The rankings did not provide a total rating for this horse, but the comments suggest that it could be a contender.

Note: The rankings and assessments are based on the information provided and should be used as a guide. Other factors such as recent form, jockey and trainer performance, pedigree, and any other relevant variables should also be considered when making betting decisions.