Clonmel Racing Tips - 17th April Clonmel takes centre stage in Ireland on Thursday with a six-race card that features three maidens, two handicaps and a bumper. The action kicks off at 16:55 and runs through to the finale at 19:30 and we have provided selections and analysis for three of the races on Thursday’s card. Clonmel Racing Tips, 17th April 6.30 - Navy Waves @ 15/2 with Betfair 7.00 - Elusive Prince @ 5/1 with Betfair 7.30 - Installment @ 10/1 with Betfair Odds courtesy of Betfair and correct at the time of publishing Betfair Free Bet Offer If you have already signed up to Betfair, check out more of the best betting sites and casino bonuses 6.30 - Navy Waves This handicap hurdle for mares over 2m1f is one of the most competitive races of the day, and although it’s open, there are reasons for thinking Julie Cushin’s Navy Waves can get back on the scoresheet. Her only win so far in a Thurles maiden hurdle, meant a lofty rating and a period in the wilderness. She struggled to compete from marks in the 100s, but as her rating has fallen she has started to get more competitive. Running on soft ground was also a struggle and her return to form, which began here last May, has coincided with a return to a decent surface. Three of her last four runs, all on good ground, have been her best for some time, and despite not hitting the target yet she has a second and two thirds to her name since June last year. Those contests were all-sex affairs, so a return to mares only company today must be in her favour and she can finally get her head back in front. Tip: Navy Waves @ 15/2 with Betfair 7.00 - Elusive Prince This 12-runner contest looks light on realistic contenders and it is easy to envisage Henry De Bromhead’s Elusive Prince proving too good on his return from a break. The three last-time hurdle winners in this field, Party Dress, Duke Otto and Party President, all won weak affairs most recently, and will hopefully help De Bromhead’s charge go off at a reasonable price. The trainer is by far the most successful handler at this course with a runner in this contest, and the well-related six-year-old still has plenty of time to fulfil the potential he showed in maidens last season. His runs in the autumn, the best of them coming at this course, certainly weren’t devoid of promise, and if he has improved at all for his winter break he could take some beating here. Tip: Elusive Prince @ 5/1 with Betfair 7.30 - Installment It can often pay to take a chance on a newcomer in an ordinary bumper, and this one certainly fits the bill with not much form of note on display. Billy Lanigan’s gelding looks the part on breeding, being a half-brother to a decent bumper winner and another who was a close second in his first two bumpers. Installment is by Doyen, who has an outstanding record as a sire of bumper horses with a 23% success rate, and his trainer has booked Ray Barron, who also has a good record in bumpers. Tip: Installment @ 10/1 with Betfair
