Tips and trainer quotes ahead of Clonmel on Thursday as Allaho returns He’s big, he’s bold and he’s brave and he revels in annihilating his rivals at the top level. It is these qualities which have made Allaho a people’s favourite and today the superstar chaser is back following a 561-day absence from the track. The dual Ryanair Chase winner faces just three rivals in the Grade 2 Clonmel Oil Chase as he attempts to land the spoils with his usual flare and dominance. While Allaho is odds-on favourite to make a winning return, the undercard presents the opportunity to find a winner at more attractive prices and bet365's welcome offer is well worth using on your fancies. 2.50 Clonmel Oil Steeplechase (Grade 2) A small field but a quality race nonetheless. Allaho was last seen winning the Punchestown Gold Cup for Willie Mullins in 2022 by a stunning 14 lengths, before a subsequent bleed on his spleen led to last season on the sidelines. Back to full health,it is hard to see this front-running, top-flight star being beat. In our recent stabletour Mullins said: “He’s a huge horse, about 17.2 hands, probably one of the biggest we have in the place which can bring its own problems. But he’s in great shape and I’m very happy with him. “I’ll start him in the Clonmel Oil - I think he’s ready for that and then hopefully back for a Ryanair. I think the Gold Cup trip might be a little too long for him, with that extra quarter mile.” Janidil faces a tough task as the Grade 1-winner is lumped with 5lb higher than his hotshot stablemate and was last seen falling at Fairyhouse in April. Mouse Morris has his string in fine form and saddles his smart chaser French Dynamite, who finished fourth in last season’s Ryanair Chase and Melling Chase at Aintree. He has recorded six career wins over obstacles, however it would be a surprise to see him overturn the favourite. Grange Walk has race fitness on his side and takes a step up in trip, switching from hurdles to fences, but John Ryan’s contender faces a huge task. 2.15 Clonmel T.A. Morris Memorial Irish EBF Mares Steeplechase (Listed) Allegorie De Vassy is the selection in this Listed contest as the Grade 2 winner drops in class to a Listed contest for her seasonal comeback. The talented mare finished second at Cheltenham in March behind the mighty Impervious. Stablemate Instit then got the better of her in a Listed contest at Fairyhouse and finished in front of her at Punchestown subsequently. The rivals reoppose in what looks a fascinating contest. Paul Townend has picked Allegorie De Vassy which is telling and she is fancied to turn the tables with Instit despite carrying more weight than her rival. Cheltenham Festival winner Maskada is a big danger and will relish the testing conditions. Henry de Bromhead’s mare carries 10lb less than the Willie Mullins pick and her form is strong having finished fourth in a Grade 1 at Punchestown in 2022. This is a step back up in class today from handicap company. 1.40 Clonmel Oil Service Station Handicap Hurdle Following her 'dream' Cheltenham Festival win, Angels Dawn finished sixth in the Irish Grand National and looks to be well handicapped over hurdles. Sam Curling spoke to Emma Nagle about the mare on our recent stable visit: “She really came good over fences last year and to have a Cheltenham winner was the stuff of dreams. “She’s back and she looks brilliant, she’s done well over the summer. She likes heavy ground. “The Thyestes will be her first real main aim, I won’t overrun her this year, she’ll be covered at the end of the year. Off her mark she could still be competitive in one of those big staying chases.” While Angels Dawn may need this outing, preference is for the in-form Castle Field Boy who is seeking a third win on the bounce. A course and distance winner on his seasonal debut, he’s tough, consistent and can continue his good run of form for trainer Patrick Foley. Whatsavailable, who finished second to the selection last time has further improvement in him and with cheekpieces on for the first time, he could be place value for Mouse Morris. 18+ please gamble responsibly. Dunlewey.org. Begambleaware.org.
