Darren Skelton / 19 March 2009 Free Bet

The Slievenamon Maiden Hurdle (2:55) is the first race on today's card and with about 18 runners in the field it's every bit as difficult as you'd think. However, there are good reasons for believing that Florida Pal may be up to taking this. Apart from the obvious starting point that he comes from the most powerful stable in Ireland, Florida Pal has proved himself to be somewhat of a model of consistency. He finished ahead of Pontiac two starts ago and that horse has proved himself at a decent level (winner at the weekend) and although Florida wasn't among Willie's many bumper winners last year, he may well improve with a few obstacles in front of him.

Another maiden with about 40 horses next up at 3:30...mouth watering stuff so far I'm sure you'll agree... Majestic Oak, for Liam Cusack and with Ruby on board, will probably go off a short priced favourite for this one, and rightly so really as his form to date surpasses anything else in the field and with natural improvement he should win this one before going to...other things. Rick was fairly well backed last time and although he showed a definite improvement in previous runnings, he jumped like an elephant and can't be trusted until he skills up that part of his game.

Another massive field next for the Suir Handicap Hurdle at 4:00 and Silent Rage who showed significant improvement last time when just losing out to Yeoman and finishing two lengths ahead of subsequent winner Zanwood. Robert Tyner's 4 year old is entitled to come on heaps for that run, especially over an extra four furlongs. Shorecliffe King with Davy Russell on board rates a live danger as he slips down the handicap to what looks like a winnable mark. He might have to wait his turn though.

A beginner's chase next at 4:35 and although your heart would be in your mouth watching her go around, Cru looks to have found a suitable opportunity to get herself into the winner's enclosure. Willie Mullin's horse definitely has ability but she's a bit of a clutz really and even though she made a few mistakes last time she still managed to come to the last fence with a winning chance. That disappeared as she did a cartwheel and skidded all over the place - not the text book way of jumping a fence. Hopefully Ruby can teach her a few things today and she'll win like she deserves to.

The Lisronagh Handicap Chase at 5:05 is up next and I think that American Star may be ready to win off this handicap mark. The trainer has two horses in the race and i'd love to be able to tell you that the reason for this is that the larger priced horse is going to make the running, setting a decent pace and thus setting it up for American Star to pounce late with a decisive winning run. I really can't though...although I will say that the booking of Davy Russell reads like a statement of intent and the form of American Star's last run has been franked by Jack Absolute winning at the weekend.

In the last two races of the day Mullins and Walsh combine for what could be a lot of people's get out doubles and singles - Captain Conflict and Fionnegas. The last named is in the bumper and was reportedly slow to come to hand this season but could be a useful prospect. I couldn't put anyone off backing a Mullins bumper horse, even with Cheltenham over. I'd keep an eye on the betting all the same. Captain Conflict has his own ideas about the game and in-running punters can make some money out of this race by watching the horse for the first couple of furlongs. If he decides that he wants to spent more time looking into the stands and walking into fences rather than jumping over them, than I'd hover my finger over the lay button because it's going to be a very long 2m 4f for Ruby. If the horse looks focused, I don't think he'll be beaten.

Good luck with your Clonmel bets!

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