Clonmel Horse Racing Tips

After a spin in a charity race at Punchestown, LIGHTKEEPER ought to be ready for his seasonal reappearance. The last time he competed over hurdles, he was runner-up in a claimer over a similar trip at Bellewstown last summer. Since then, he won over fences at Perth on his penultimate start. This is Circus Act's trip and ground and she is a solid contender, while Jerandme could go well on his return to action. Solly Attwell would probably prefer more of a test of stamina, but can get involved. Rocky's Howya enjoys this grade, but his recent winning form is on slower ground.

Springhill Warrior, who sets the standard with a mark of 118, filled the runner-up berth at Punchestown and Fairyhouse last season. On the forecast going, he may improve with a tongue-tie/cheekpieces combination tried. Nevertheless, MINELLA DIAMOND might be worth chancing. Although he has something to find on official ratings, the low-mileage eight-year-old has shown ability on better ground, including when winning a bumper at Killarney. Additionally, he has two runner-up finishes over hurdles to advertise his chance. Tolka Row is respected after being placed in two point-to-points.

Gordon Elliott does well with his recruits from Britain and ITAINTMEBABE should be monitored very closely in the market. He won over a similar trip at Fakenham in October and could be on a decent mark for his Irish debut with James Smith's 5lb claim factored in. Sarah's Express kept on for fourth at both Clonmel and Kilbeggan recently, but could finish higher in this company, while Kilbarry Ce Ce wasn't beaten far when fourth over a shorter trip at Tramore and has her chance under a capable claimer. The Sugarhill Lady is another pitching for prize money, while first reserve Carlas Big Jim wouldn't be out of it if getting a run.

LOI DES JEUX is less exposed than some of these. He ran well on his second handicap outing at Limerick when third to Cooltubrid Eva, just fading a touch late on in testing conditions having led before the second-last. There may be a bit more to come now on better ground. Tedworth was a winner on his return at Tramore last month and has to be respected. A 6lb rise for that victory doesn't look harsh. Old Kenmare ran well for a long way here last time and is another who has to come into the mix in a moderate enough contest.

NED IN THE PARK came good in fine style at this venue and can bag a follow-up win. The Walk In The Park gelding had been a touch frustrating having shown some good form early on, and a 5lb rise for his cosy victory doesn't look harsh. Le Diablo was a big price when winning at the same meeting here last month and is another to consider, although he got a 9lb hike and it makes life a bit tougher. Penny Express had some solid placed form last year and is another to note on his return.

NIRISQUE can get off the mark on her third outing for Henry de Bromhead. The French import was a touch disappointing on her first start for the yard, but ran a solid race last time when chasing home Crohan Lady at Tramore. Her mark of 107 sets the standard. The handicapper has Jumbos Jet on 98 after three runs over timber, but she looks a danger after a good effort to chase home Catchabird at Wexford. The 97-rated Chautuaqua unseated at the first in the Tramore race in which the selection was runner-up. She can be given a chance on the pick of her previous form.

CHANCEAWETMORNING can make it two from two since joining Gordon Elliott. An impressive winner at Kilbeggan last month, the gelding was subsequently raised 9lb. However, with Josh Williamson taking a valuable 5lb off, he still looks nicely treated. With a number of confirmed pacesetters in the field, the six-year-old can sit in and get a nice tow into the race before being produced late. Well backed when second on his recent handicap debut, Sense Of Occasion is sure to make a bold bid to recover those losses. C&D winners Expound and Tingarran Express also warrant respect in a competitive affair for the grade.

In a race where those who have previously run failed to shine, a chance is taken on the Henry de Bromhead-trained newcomer LIRAKALI. A son of Voiladenuo out of a French hurdles winner, the five-year-old wouldn't need to be anything out of the ordinary to make a winning debut. His stable struck with a similar type at the Punchestown Festival and any market support here should be noted. A promising fourth on his introduction at Fairyhouse last November, Martymill failed to build on that effort back at the same track. A reproduction of his earlier form would see the son of Getaway hold claims. It's All Clear has enough previous experience to also get involved.