Franchoek in action at Clonmel Franchoek, runner-up in the 2008 Triumph Hurdle when sent off the evens favourite, continues on the comeback trail at Clonmel today. The nine-year-old has had his problems since his early days when he was a highly-promising recruit with Alan King. He is now with Eddie Harty and was having his first run since June 2010 when well-beaten over fences on this track last month. With that spin under his belt when he was last of six behind Viaduct Joey, Franchoek returns for the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase. "He had his comeback race at the last meeting at Clonmel. He ran well to a point and got tired," said owner JP McManus' racing manager Frank Berry. "He should come on for the run, but he will probably take another run because he had a long time off. He's in good form. "He's been with Eddie since the end of the summer." Harty said: "He was a long time off the track before the last day. I was pleased enough and hopefully we are getting there with him." McManus is also represented by the Francis Flood-trained Take A Shot in this two-and-a-half-mile contest. "He lost his way a little bit, but the yard is back in good form again and we'd be hopeful of a good run from him," said Berry. The Conor O'Dwyer-trained Uncle Tom Cobley heads the weights on 11st 12lb in a competitive 14-strong field.
