UK Horse Racing Tips: Clonmel

On his first start over flights in more than six years, JERANDME ran a cracker to finish third at Sligo last month. An eight-time winner, the 11-year-old clearly retains plenty of ability and it'll be disappointing if he's not involved towards the business end in a contest of this quality. Successful in a claiming hurdle at Roscommon in July, Ahead Of The Posse is an obvious danger, while Oh So Charming, Rexem, Boston Jury and Nitty Gritty are others for the shortlist. A winner at Killarney in July, the latter returns to much calmer waters after disappointing in a competitive 20-runner contest at Galway on his latest outing.
Prediction : 1st Jerandme 2nd Ahead Of The Posse 3rd Nitty Gritty

Gavin Cromwell's COURT CANYON might be able to take this on his first try over flights. Out of five-time winner Elusive Ivy, who Cromwell also trained, the selection won a point-to-point on debut, before disappointing in a bumper at the Punchestown Festival. A much more encouraging fifth on his most recent start at Cork, he was a place behind subsequent Roscommon winner Walks The Talk. Five of these clashed at Navan last month, with Shing Shang Lily faring best on that occasion. The Cian Collins-trained four-year-old was just ahead of Garnetot and Lion Of The Desert at the Proudstown Park venue, and there is again likely to be little between the trio. Point-to-point winners Katie Daniels and Bly Manor are others for the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Court Canyon 2nd Shing Shang Lily 3rd Garnetot

Many of these disappointed when last seen, with CHOSEN SHANT one of them. Up to a career high mark of 107 after back to back wins at Wexford, she finished down the field at Listowel on her latest start. She mightn't have enjoyed the testing conditions at the Kerry circuit and back on quicker ground now, an improved performance can be expected. In truth, a case can be made for almost the entire field, with top-weight Jeaniemacaroney sure to have plenty of supporters. A beaten favourite at Kilbeggan on her latest start, it'll be interesting to see if the application of cheekpieces have the desired effect on Smiling Bess. Already twice successful this season, Queenofthelodge warrants the utmost respect, while course winner Colleen Danu and Leah's Contessa are others for the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Chosen Shant 2nd Jeaniemacaroney 3rd Smiling Bess

HOPE SHE FLIES was entered for this prior to her breakthrough win at Roscommon on Monday so it could turn out to be a well-executed plan by connections. Upped 10lb for that all-the-way success, she carries a 7lb penalty here. A close fourth at Downpatrick on his latest start and with Eoin Staples again on board, Newport is the second choice. Demanding Gerry, Backwithyourown and Jaadil all filled the runner-up spot when last seen and it will come as no surprise if any of them manages to go a place better. Sixth in what was probably a stronger contest at Listowel, Polly Poppins warrants respect. Handicap debutant Le Diablo is another for the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Hope She Flies 2nd Newport 3rd Demanding Gerry

POETIC FOCUS should give a good account of herself in this competitive affair. The five-year-old ran her best race to date when fourth of 18 at Galway on her latest start and with Eoin Staples claiming a valuable 7lb, it will be disappointing if she's not involved towards the business end. Not seen since finishing a good fourth on her handicap debut at Limerick in April, it will be interesting to see how Great Bird fares, while Smallcraftwarning, Coffeys Forge, Arrycan and Wing Back are other leading hopes. The latter made the breakthrough at Downpatrick before finishing a close third when bidding to follow up at the same venue.
Prediction : 1st Poetic Focus 2nd Great Bird 3rd Wing Back

Out of action for over two and a half years, OCEAN OF MERCY has been in fine form since returning in May. Making the breakthrough on his penultimate start, he since followed up on his first try over fences. Now bidding to complete a hat-trick, he is likely to be well-suited by this step up in trip to 3m. Closely matched on their run at Galway, Donnie Devito and What's Up Darling are obvious contenders. The Gordon Elliott-trained latter is the highest rated of those with a mark and in first time cheekpieces, he'll be well-fancied to follow-up on his Killarney success. Back over fences for the first time since June, Baltic Bird warrants respect, as does Ambitious Fellow, who finished second in the Connacht National on his penultimate start.
Prediction : 1st Ocean Of Mercy 2nd Whats Up Darling 3rd Donnie Devito

SPELLACY'S CROSS is the suggestion in this weak affair. Runner-up four times this year, the Jimmy Barcoe-trained six-year-old certainly wouldn't be winning out of turn. With seven victories between them, Romella and Baltinglass Hill are obvious dangers. Although yet to win over fences, the latter wasn't beaten too far when fifth at Tramore on his latest start. Sent off favourite on his debut for Gavin Cromwell at Punchestown in January, Toon Town made a bad mistake three out and was soon pulled up. Now tried in a first-time tongue-strap, it will be interesting to see how he fares. Sea Of Doubt, Andyourbirdcansing and Applejack Poet are others capable of making an impact.
Prediction : 1st Spellacys Cross 2nd Toon Town 3rd Baltinglass Hill