2m3f61y, Good ground, 4yo+ conditions hurdle
6 runners

Race Assessment

With only six runners, this is unlikely to be a strongly-run affair unless one of the Elliott pair elects to force matters. Small-field hurdle races at Clonmel can often develop into tactical contests where positioning and jumping become more important than raw stamina.

Key Factors

Going Suitability

Good ground looks ideal for Thecompanysergeant and King Of Kingsfield.
Farren Glory has performed well on good but his profile suggests softer conditions bring out his very best.

Field Size Suitability

Small fields suit proven class horses that can travel and jump fluently. This favours:

Farren Glory

King Of Kingsfield

Thecompanysergeant


Pace Suitability

No obvious confirmed front-runner. Tactical pace may place emphasis on:

Jumping accuracy

Ability to quicken from the second-last


This scenario probably favours King Of Kingsfield, who has been competing in higher-grade novice chases.

Class Suitability

Most important factor in this race.

Ratings suggest:

1. Farren Glory (highest hurdle achievements)


2. King Of Kingsfield (best current rating in field)


3. Thecompanysergeant



Track Suitability

No strong negatives for the principals. Clonmel’s undulations and emphasis on jumping should suit experienced campaigners.

Distance Suitability

Thecompanysergeant: proven at 2m3f.

Farren Glory: proven over C&D.

King Of Kingsfield: stays well and should be comfortable back over hurdles.


Temperament

All three principals are reliable enough in small fields.

Trainer Form

Gordon Elliott has a very strong hand with Farren Glory and King Of Kingsfield.

Gavin Cromwell’s horses continue to run consistently and Thecompanysergeant arrives off a revival.


Jockey Claims

Very significant here.

Thecompanysergeant receives a valuable 7lb claim.

King Of Kingsfield also receives 7lb.

Farren Glory receives only 5lb.


The claims narrow the gap considerably.


—

Are We Weighing The Race Correctly?

For this race I would place greatest emphasis on:

1. Class ratings


2. Recent form


3. Weight/claim structure


4. Ground suitability


5. Tactical pace scenario



Draw bias is irrelevant in hurdle races.

The most important piece of form is the Ballinrobe race on 25 May, where:

Thecompanysergeant finished ahead of Farren Glory.

He gave Farren Glory 5lb.

They now meet at level weights.

Thecompanysergeant also has a 7lb claimer aboard.


That swings the balance towards Thecompanysergeant despite Farren Glory being the classier hurdler historically.


—

Runner-by-Runner Ratings

1. Thecompanysergeant (p)

Rating: 8.8/10

Dual hurdle winner who returned to form at Ballinrobe. The key piece of form in the race. Beat Farren Glory while conceding weight and now has a useful 7lb claim. Conditions ideal and arrives race-fit.

Progressive? Not really at nine years old, but recent run suggested a resurgence.


—

2. Farren Glory

Rating: 8.5/10

Former Royal Bond winner and comfortably the most accomplished hurdler in the field. Ran well at Ballinrobe but was receiving weight from Thecompanysergeant and could not finish ahead of him. Ground may be a shade quicker than ideal.

Strong contender.


—

3. King Of Kingsfield

Rating: 8.2/10

Highest-rated horse on official figures. Three chase wins last season and returns to hurdles after contesting Grade races over fences. Receives a 7lb claim and could be dangerous if the race becomes tactical.

Major danger.


—

4. Mighty Tom

Rating: 6.5/10

Possesses ability and old form gives him a chance. However, absent since October 2024. Huge fitness question after a lengthy layoff. Market support would be noteworthy.


—

5. Encanto Bruno

Rating: 4.5/10

Has not shown enough recently. Returned to hurdles at Musselburgh and disappointed. Needs a major revival.


—

6. Crohan Lady

Rating: 2.5/10

Gets weight as a mare but appears badly outclassed on ratings and achievements.


—

Strongest Contenders

Thecompanysergeant (p)

Recent form line favours him. Well treated under race conditions and likely to get a good tactical position.

Farren Glory

Class act of the race and dangerous if returning to his better Graded-hurdle level.

King Of Kingsfield

The dark horse. Chase form gives him a serious chance if translating it back to hurdles.


—

Main Dangers

Farren Glory

King Of Kingsfield



—

Interesting Outsider

Mighty Tom

If retaining ability after 600+ days off, his older ratings make him competitive. Market must be monitored closely.


—

Significant Profile Notes

Farren Glory: Grade 1 Royal Bond winner.

King Of Kingsfield: Three chase wins last season.

Thecompanysergeant: Rebounded from poor runs with an encouraging Ballinrobe effort.

Mighty Tom: Long absence creates uncertainty.



—

Private Tissue

Thecompanysergeant 31%

Farren Glory 28%

King Of Kingsfield 24%

Mighty Tom 9%

Encanto Bruno 5%

Crohan Lady 3%


Equivalent odds:

Thecompanysergeant — 3.2

Farren Glory — 3.6

King Of Kingsfield — 4.2

Mighty Tom — 11.0

Encanto Bruno — 20.0

Crohan Lady — 33.0



—

Summary

This looks likely to revolve around the Ballinrobe form between Thecompanysergeant and Farren Glory, with the weight turnaround and 7lb claim giving Thecompanysergeant a compelling case to confirm superiority. King Of Kingsfield is respected returning from a productive chasing campaign and may be the one best suited if the race turns tactical.

Smart Play

Win Bet

Thecompanysergeant (8.8/10)

The Ballinrobe form, level weights, and valuable 7lb claim make him the percentage call.

Saver

King Of Kingsfield (8.2/10)

Returns to hurdles with the strongest current rating profile in the race and could capitalise if the principals underperform.

(No each-way recommendation – only six runners.)