Clonmel Oil Chase (Grade 2)

Off time: 15:11 | Winning time: 5m 23.30s

Kappa Jy Pyke¹⁹¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 151

2/9

Quickly developed into a better chaser than hurdler last season, winning his first 2 starts over fences including Grade 3 novice at Punchestown (2½m) in January. Met trouble when runner-up in Grade 1 at Fairyhouse in April, before seeming stretched by 25f at Punchestown. Remains with potential.

Form: 69/1127-

Image of Stars that are filled with the colour gold

Blaze The Way^p⁴⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 10-13| J: Danny Mullins| T: Ms M Mullins| OR: 138

9/2

Made up into a useful chaser last season, winning 3¼m handicap at Cheltenham in December and running respectably in the Ultima at the Festival. Shaped better than being pulled up suggests in the Scottish National, before probably needing the run at Listowel in September. Tough ask here, though.

Form: 4157P-0

Herja^t⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 10-6| J: Harry Sexton| T: Mrs P Griffin| OR: 110

11/1

Fair chaser who gained a first success over fences when beating her sole rival in mares maiden at Sligo (2¼m) in September. Seemed to excel herself upped to Grade 2 level when third of 5 at Down Royal (19f) 5 days ago, but faces an even stiffer task in this contest.

Form: 262313

Non-Runners

Il Etait Temps¹⁹¹

Weight: 11-12| Age: 8

T: W P Mullins J: Paul Townend

Forecasts

Il Etait Temps (1/5), Kappa Jy Pyke (2/9), Blaze The Way (9/2), Herja (11/1)

IL ETAIT TEMPS is now unbeaten in his last 7 completed starts, a wide-margin winner of this race last year before going on to success at both Cheltenham and Punchestown in the spring, and he is hard to oppose on his return. Stablemate Kappa Jy Pyke can be the one to give the selection most to think about, Willie Mullins having won the last 4 renewals of this Grade 2.