Clonmel Tips: JP McManus' Five-year-old has 'Golden Opportunity'

A total of seven races take place at Clonmel on Thursday, with the card kicking off at 2:22 with a Maiden Hurdle and finishing at 5:25 with a handicap chase.

We’ve picked out three bets on the card, which includes one in the opening race for Charlie O’Brien.

Thursday’s tips

2.52 Clonmel - No Big Deal

No Big Deal looks primed to open his account in the opener at Clonmel. The five-year-old has been knocking on the door in recent starts, finishing second twice and third once in his last three outings.

His latest effort at Roscommon was particularly encouraging, keeping on well for second behind Hope She Flies, and the form of that race has worked out nicely since with the winner following up with another win at Clonmel.

The switch back to Clonmel, where he ran well earlier in the season, should suit, and he remains competitively treated off his current mark.

Representing the powerful John P. McManus colours, this looks like a golden opportunity for Charles O’Brien’s improving gelding to finally get his head in front.

3.22 Clonmel - Music Of Life

Music Of Life has been shaping like a mare on the verge of a breakthrough and looks to have strong claims in this maiden hurdle.

Since joining Denis Gerard Hogan she has found a real level of consistency, finishing second on her last two starts at Listowel and Roscommon, both solid pieces of form.

She travelled smoothly on each occasion and showed plenty of determination, suggesting a win is well within reach.

The step back up to 2m4f looks perfect given how well she stays, and with conditions likely to suit, everything appears in place for a big run.

She’s bred to keep improving, being by Walk In The Park out of a Flemensfirth mare, and now looks poised to deliver a deserved first success over hurdles.

5.22 Clonmel - Ar Nos Na Gaoithe

Ar Nos Na Gaoithe makes her handicap chase debut in the 5.25 at Clonmel and could take a step forward now switched to this company.

The six-year-old mare was sent off a 66/1 outsider in a beginners’ chase at Downpatrick last time, so expectations were modest, but she ran better than the bare result suggests, jumping soundly and keeping on for fifth behind Seskin Flash.

That experience should stand her in good stead now tackling handicaps for the first time, especially off a workable mark.

A previous hurdles winner at this track, she’s clearly at home around Clonmel and looks suited by this trip.

With her confidence likely to grow as she gains experience over fences, she could well get off the mark for the P.J. Rothwell team in what looks like a very open race.