Race Preview: Clonmel 2:52 (0-100 Handicap Hurdle)

This is a low-grade handicap hurdle over the minimum trip (just over 2 miles) for amateur riders (Q.R. means Qualified Riders). With 13 runners and a 0-100 rating band, it’s a typical competitive but low-quality contest where finding horses in form is crucial.

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Runner-by-Runner Analysis

• Jessie’s Dreamgirl (12-4): Top weight. Form figures are dreadful (4-P00). Hard to make any case for her.
• Wayside Lady (12-3): Comes here after a run on the Flat 14 days ago. Her hurdle form (6F7-) is very poor, including a fall. Makes handicap debut off a mark of 92, which looks high based on what she’s shown.
• Sheriffhill (12-3): Hasn’t run for 252 days. Was pulled up when last seen at this track off a higher mark (95). Hard to fancy after such a long break.
• No Big Deal (12-4): Very consistent recently, finishing 3rd and then 2nd (beaten favourite) on his last two starts off similar marks (91). Still a maiden after 9 hurdle runs, but clearly knocking on the door. Mr. J H Williamson claiming 5lb is a plus. Strong chance. 👍
• Flashthelights (11-13): A 9-year-old veteran who has won 3 times but has shown very little (8-07) in his last three runs. Was well beaten 13 days ago and needs to bounce back.
• Hickeys Hill (11-13): The most interesting horse in the race. Won impressively on his handicap debut at Fairyhouse just 12 days ago off OR82. Carries a 6lb penalty for that win (running off 88 effectively), but looked like he had plenty in hand. The booking of top amateur Mr. Derek O’Connor is a massive positive. Leading contender. ⭐
• East Cork Flyer (11-8): Form figures are 808 from three maiden hurdle runs, beaten miles each time. Makes handicap debut off OR84 and looks completely outclassed.
• Stonecarthy (11-7): Showed a glimmer of promise when 2nd at Wexford in May but has been pulled up and tailed off since. Hard to trust.
• Howayahoney (11-6): Only three runs, showing very little (8F0). Makes handicap debut off OR82 and needs significant improvement.
• Finnicky Filly (11-4): Poor form figures, including being pulled up last time out 17 days ago. No appeal.
• She’s On Line (11-4): Has placed form off higher marks but has run poorly (700) on her last three starts. Needs to rediscover her old form.
• Go Gill Go (11-3): A 10-year-old mare who has only won once in 33 starts. Did show some ability when 7th at Clonmel in June but was well beaten last time out (104 days ago). Likes the track (placed twice from 8 runs here) but others look stronger.
• Boston Bongo (10-11): Showed a bit more when 5th at Downpatrick last month but generally inconsistent and hard to win with.

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Verdict

This race looks like it rests between two horses bringing the best recent form into the contest.

Hickeys Hill created a strong impression when winning at Fairyhouse 12 days ago. Despite a 6lb rise, that win came easily, and the step up slightly in trip might suit. With Mr. Derek O’Connor taking the ride, he looks the one they all have to beat.

The main danger is No Big Deal. He’s been running consistently well and deserves to break his maiden tag soon. He should be right there challenging.

Of the others, Go Gill Go has course form which might see her run into a place at bigger odds.

1. Hickeys Hill 2. No Big Deal 3. Go Gill Go