17:20 Clonmel

Thursday 28 September 2017

All13:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:4517:20

Clonmel Flat Race

Off time: 17:20 | Winning time: 4m 8.9s

Allardyce⁷⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 12-0| J: Mr B O'Neill| T: E J O'Grady

15/8

Sets the standard here on two runner-up spots at Wexford and Cork on latest starts, staying on well both times. No issue with softer ground if the rain comes and has to be a major player again here.

Form: 2/65-22

Itsonlyrocknroll^t1⁴⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 12-0| J: Mr P W Mullins| T: W P Mullins

6/1

With a top yard, but already an expensive one to follow, having been turned over at 4/7 on debut at Sligo and 2/1 at Kilbeggan last time (well beaten). Tongue tie goes on to try and help the situation but already comes with risks.

Form: 32

Love The Well²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 12-0| J: Mr T Walsh⁽⁷⁾| T: P Meany

66/1

Reasonable effort when sixth to Canny Tom in a Tramore maiden hurdle in August but a backward step latest and can't really be considered.

Form: P-FPP60

Maeve's Choice¹¹⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 11-10| J: Mr J C Barry⁽⁵⁾| T: M J Smith

10/1

Plenty to like about debut fourth at Listowel in June (second and third winners since) and will improve for that experience. Has had a break and may need this, but chances if fit.

Form: 4

Rakhine State⁴⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 11-10| J: Ms N Carberry| T: G Elliott

13/8

Purchased by current connections for £32,000 after a very promising debut third at Ballinrobe, where he travelled well and stuck to the task late on. Has joined a top yard and no saying they won't get an immediate return on their investment here.

Form: 3

By The Barrow²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: R Deegan⁽⁷⁾| T: J Barcoe

50/1

Some promise to be gleaned from his debut fourth here at Clonmel earlier in the month and should improve, but asking a lot to take top prize here.

Form: 4

Our Ella Bella

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Mr W T Cronin⁽⁷⁾| T: J J Walsh

33/1

Plenty to like about her pedigree, being closely related to the very good chaser Fox Appeal, and trainer does get the odd winner in this sphere. Worth a market check if nothing else.

Form:

Wendals Girl¹⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Mr D G Lavery⁽³⁾| T: A Mullins

66/1

Well beaten on debut behind the useful Massey's Wood at Listowel and will have needed to come on plenty for that if she's to take a hand here.

Form: 4

Angel's On Fire³³

Age: 4| Weight: 11-3| J: Mr E P O'Brien⁽⁷⁾| T: A Leahy

28/1

Plenty of promise to be taken from her staying-on fifth at Killarney on debut last month, and should come on plenty for the experience. Trainer knows the family well and she could be useful in time. Not discounted.

Form: 5

Dunbrody Lass⁴¹

Age: 4| Weight: 11-3| J: Mr T Hamilton⁽⁵⁾| T: P Meany

66/1

Showed plenty of temperament before the start on her debut at Tramore and ultimately unseated her rider in the race. Can only be watched after that.

Form: U

Stephanie Sunshine

Age: 4| Weight: 11-3| J: Miss K Harrington⁽³⁾| T: Mrs J Harrington

7/1

Half sister to the useful Grade 3 winner Sizing Rio, and bred to do well over obstacles in time. Yard have a good strike rate in these events and the market will be the best guide as to what is expected today.

Form:

Non-Runners

Game Risk¹¹⁸

Weight: 12-0| Age: 5

T: Paul Power J: Mr P Power

Highandmighty²²¹

Weight: 12-0| Age: 6

T: S Byrne J: Sean P Byrne

Forecasts

Rakhine State (13/8), Allardyce (15/8), Itsonlyrocknroll (6/1), Stephanie Sunshine (7/1), Maeve's Choice (10/1), Game Risk (10/1), Highandmighty (16/1), Angel's On Fire (28/1), Our Ella Bella (33/1), By The Barrow (50/1), Wendals Girl (66/1), Love The Well (66/1), Dunbrody Lass (66/1)

There are some likely improvers and interesting newcomers in this field and it could be a decent race for the grade. ALLARDYCE has the form in the bank and with decent efforts on soft/heavy, won't mind how deep it gets. He can get off the mark at the expense of Stephanie Sunshine, making her debut here but from a good family and will know her job. Itsonlyrockandroll may improve for the breathing aid but in truth needs to, and may not be much value. Rakhine State looks the other to consider on his debut for Gordon Elliott.