Preview clonmel 29th Oct

Clonmel is the setting for a seven-race National Hunt card on Thursday and the feature event is the Wilderness Chase.

Glenfinn Captain and Hear The Echo have won this in recent years and while there is nothing of that calibre in the 2009 line-up, Vic Venturi possesses a touch of class and sets a clear standard on official ratings.

Justpourit has race fitness to call upon, but bigger threats may come from the novices Tryptronic, Checkpointcharlie and Hangover.

Shuil Aris was placed in a couple of Grade Threes when last seen and returns to action in the Cahir Mares Maiden Hurdle, which kicks the meeting off at 1.15.

Paul Nolan's eight-year-old has been sidelined for two years but if she's near to her peak, she should have too many guns for the likes of Theclubhousebee, Twelfth Of Never and Rossdara.

Conker Nails only got as far as the first when attempting to supplement a Roscommon win at Downpatrick and reverts to the smaller obstacles in the Powerstown Desmene Handicap Hurdle.

While this should provide her with a confidence boost, she may struggle to get to grips with Cantrell, who found only Golden Moon too good when favourite for a competitive Tipperary affair.

The Sneezer bids for his third win in his last three completed starts in the Fethard Handicap Hurdle and a 4lb penalty won't inconvenience him too much.

Present Diamonds and Balsaflour both filled the runner-up berth on their most recent outings and look the chief threats on paper.

Club Oscar has fencing experience on his side and that will stand him in good stead in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase, although Diophas is an interesting recruit, while Whats On The Menu tries to confirm the promise of his second at Tramore when tackling others from the pointing field in the Grahamnorris.com Memorial INH Flat Race.