Clondaw Warrior enjoys a marked drop in grade on his return to action at Clonmel on Thursday.
Willie Mullins' admirable dual-purpose performer has not been seen in this sphere since winning the Galway Hurdle in July and is expected to prove too good for Taglietelle, despite having to give that rival 10lb, in the Jim Strang & Sons Kilsheelan (Peugeot) Hurdle.
The son of Overbury has never run over three miles but he is an Ascot Stakes winner over two miles and four furlongs on the Flat so the trip shouldn't inconvenience him.
Mullins introduces a potentially smart animal in the shape of Crack Mome when action gets underway in the Clonmel Maiden Hurdle at 12.25.
The first foal out of a well-related dam by Spanish Moon and impressive winner of a French bumper in May 2015, the four-year-old boasts an entry in the Grade 1 Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown later this month.
The Irish champion trainer has just three runners on the card and will be hoping Pylonthepressure can complete a hat-trick in the Next Meeting Thursday February 2nd (Q.R.) (C & G) Maiden Hurdle finale.
A point-to-point winner and dual bumper winner, the six-year-old did enough in two starts over hurdles last season to suggest a race of this nature is well within his grasp.
The in-form Neddyvaughan bids to make it two wins from his last three starts in the Powerstown Handicap Hurdle but won't get it all his own way with the Gordon Elliott-trained Dawerann just 5lb higher than when finishing a nose second at Navan 11 days ago.
A competitive field has been assembled for the Clonmel Racecourse Supporters Club Only 90 Beginners Chase, in which Tony Martin launches a four-pronged assault.
Minella Scamp, a winner between the flags, looks the pick of his runners judged on his second-placed effort at Naas last month.
Smadynium has continued his rich vein of form since joining Shark Hanlon's stable and is the one to beat in the Club Stand Restaurant Handicap Chase, while Theatre Run will be out to take advantage of what is a golden opport
