Clonmel Oil Chase (Grade 2)

Off time: 14:53 | Winning time: 5m 56.0s

Tornado Flyer¹⁸⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 11-12| J: Danny Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 163| D

9/2

Ran the race of his life when proving 9 lengths too strong for Clan des Obeaux in King George at Kempton on Boxing Day. Well held in Cheltenham/Punchestown Gold Cup and back over hurdles in France since, though.

Form: 3/51P7-7

Blue Lord^t²⁰³

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 156

5/6

High-class chaser. Won 6-runner Barberstown Castle Novices' Chase (Colliers) (2/1) at Punchestown (16f, good to soft) by head from Coeur Sublime, just holding on. Off 6 months. Up in trip. Can make a successful return.

Form: 3/11131-

Darasso^b,t⁵⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-3| J: Mark Walsh| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 153| D

3/1

Smart chaser. Latest win in hurdle at Fairyhouse in April. Creditable third of 16 in handicap chase at Listowel (24f, good, 17/2) 57 days ago.

Form: 213-723

Pencilfulloflead^t³³⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: G Elliott| OR: 153

8/1

Winning hurdler in 2019-20 and better form over fences following season, scoring in a Grade 2 at Punchestown. Tongue strap on for 1st time, fell in graduation chase (9/4) at Ascot on return last year (only start). Remains capable of better still despite another lengthy absence.

Form: 41123/F-

Forecasts

Blue Lord (5/6), Darasso (3/1), Tornado Flyer (9/2), Pencilfulloflead (8/1)

Little to choose between all 4 on these terms but BLUE LORD won a couple of Grade 1s as a novice chaser, including at Punchestown when last seen in April, and appeals as the most solid option. Pencilfulloflead remains capable of better despite another lengthy absence so is next best.