The run-in to racing's Christmas hamper is well under way, but with a view to securing some expenses for that, Clonmel this afternoon presents a number of opportunities. None more so than Lord Dal, who can kick off a double for Arthur Moore in the Beginners Chase.
The Naas trainer brought the five-year-old back from a summer break to win a valuable handicap hurdle at his local track a month ago. It was only in the last 150 yards that Lord Dal got past Gentle Mossy but it was a fine reintroduction by the five-year-old.
Lord Dal has always looked a horse to make his mark over fences, and although this is no easy kick off, he should be up to beating the likes of Bahao and Livin Joy.
Moore can also be on the mark in the handicap chase with the Wexford winner, Lord Of The Dance. Tommy Treacy, who has a good record on the Moore horses when available, takes the ride, and although Lord Of The Dance has a 6lb penalty, he can make it a quick double.
The other steeplechase is for mares, and with Paul Carberry inexorably closing in on him in the jockeys' championship, Ruby Walsh will be looking for a positive ride from Make A Move.
Runner-up to Blasket Sound on this course last season, Make A Move is a decent stayer who was looming as a danger to all when falling at the third last in the race won by Mighty Marble at Downpatrick. Walsh takes over in the plate today and can be assured of giving Make A Move an aggressive ride. That can tip the advantage in their favour.
Rush Brook, twice a winner up the Curragh on the flat this year, is an interesting recruit to the jumping ranks in the juvenile hurdle, particularly since trainer David Wachman has recruited Charlie Swan to ride. Whether two miles on the very soft will suit this horse remains to be seen, a comment that could also apply to the other newcomer, Knife Edge.
In the circumstances, it may pay to concentrate on past hurdles form and She's Wonderful's third to Goldanzig and Miss Emer back in October now reads pretty well. Rossmill Native, a bumper winner at Tralee and Limerick last season, ran a nice race over hurdles at Tramore last time and can land the opener for Pat Flynn.
