18:20 Clonmel
Thursday 4 May 2017
All17:2017:5018:2018:5019:2019:5020:20
Clonmel Racecourse Supporters Club Evening May 18th Handicap
- 3YO plus | 1m 1f 164y | Good to Firm (Good in places) | 8 Runners | Turf | Weighed In
- Off time: 18:20 | Winning time: 2m 9.57s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Dual-purpose performer has racked up five wins in both codes over the last 14 months, four of them on the Flat. Up 7lb for ½L success over 7f at Leopardstown last month where he made all, since run a cracker to be second in 2m handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse. On great terms with himself and a solid player here.
A four-time winner in France, finished last of eight over 1m4f at Tipperary recently on his Irish bow, always in rear and looking like he needed the run after a break. Has something to find with these.
Two wins from five starts last year, including over this trip, booking of Smullen for this catches the eye but wouldn't be any surprise if he improved for the run.
Modest form on the AW in two starts this year but both wins have come on turf, including in this contest 12 month ago when completing a quick-fire double. Is just 3lb higher now and bold bid isn't ruled out. One of two for the trainer in this line-up.
Was badly out of sorts in two Curragh outings last backend, but has been running credibly on the AW at Dundalk since. Strictly has a bit to find if hoping to score in this.
In and out sort, won twice on turf last year but also some disappointing efforts when well supported. Has run two fine races recently, scoring in apprentice contest at Cork (1m½f) in early April and just failing to follow up under 5lb penalty in 20-runner Leopardstown handicap (1m2f) three days later. More to do on these terms but clearly in good heart.
Reliable performer has placed in 27 of 78 career runs (11 wins), scoring most recently over 1m4f in decisive fashion on Dundalk's AW early last month under positive tactics. Unable to repeat over longer trip at Limerick on turf, drops back in trip off same mark now and entitled to have his say.
Beaten out of sight in trio of turf maidens last backend, has since progressed to record pair of wins and three second's on AW at Dundalk. Has won over this trip, bold bid likely if he can show same form on return to this surface.
Forecasts
Beechmount Whisper (11/4), Elm Grove (7/2), Ligeti (4/1), Sharjah (6/1), Birthplace (7/1), Ruler Of France (8/1), Secret Wizard (14/1), Cash In Mind (25/1)
Elm Grove has been in excellent form in two runs this season and should give another good account in this after going down fighting in a Leopardstown handicap last month. Sharjah will likely seek to get on with things up front and having failed to hold on off this mark at Limerick last time, this shorter trip should suit, though he's far from certain to get the lead here. Last year's winner Birthplace hasn't shown enough since to merit support but stablemate Ligeti has been in cracking form on the AW of late and will be a huge player if leaving his previous turf form behind now. The versatile BEECHMOUNT WHISPER did well to score from the front over 7f at Leopardstown last month given his depths of stamina and he can defy a ratings hike over a trip that should suit him well having since run a fine race over hurdles at Fairyhouse.
- Beechmount Whisper
- Elm Grove
- Ligeti
Prize Money
1st: €7,392.002nd: €2,292.003rd: €1,092.004th: €493.005th: €192.00
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