A look ahead to the Clonmel action After going down narrowly at Kilbeggan last Friday, Double Speak bids for some compensation in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Handicap Hurdle at Clonmel today. The Dot Love-trained gelding looked set to spring a 40-1 surprise at the Co Westmeath venue, only to be collared close home by the well-backed favourite Tornado Watch. The 10-year-old gelding will be suited by the drying conditions here and can be expected to go close with Roger Loughran again in the saddle. Princess Mahler, who was successful at Limerick in March, is an obvious danger at the bottom of the weights, while handicap newcomer Stacks Mountain is another interesting contender. Henry de Bromhead trains Stacks Mountain and he is represented by Visioman in the most valuable race on the card, the Supporters Club Evening Rated Novice Hurdle. The son of Vision D’Etat has a bit to find on ratings, with the Gordon Elliott-trained Percy, who is on a mark of 123, appearing the one to beat. He got off the mark over flights at Downpatrick in March and will appreciate the drop in class here after finishing last of seven in a Grade Two at Fairyhouse on his most recent start. The Willie Mullins-trained Force Of Forces will need to improve on recent efforts if he is to feature here, while The Granson and R’evelyn Pleasure are other leading hopes. Elliott, who hasn’t had a runner since May 4, looks to have strong claims with Last Minute Man in the Clonacody (C & G) Maiden Hurdle. Second on his first two starts over flights, the son of Yeats can be expected to go one place better now, with Jack Kennedy taking over in the saddle from Davy Russell. Cottonvale has also been placed on his last two outings and he should give a good account of himself in the 18-runner Sliabh Na mBan Handicap Hurdle. Eighteen are again set to take part in Team Powerstown Handicap Hurdle, with Drakaina, Tintown Robin and A Place Apart a few for the shortlist here. The concluding Friday June 8th BBQ At Clonmel Races Mares Flat Race is another wide open contest, with Lady V, Whatucallher, Suinda, and Condarcia likely to prove popular with punters.
