2.53 2m. 4f. 96yds. 4 Declared. Clonmel Oil S'chase (Grade 2) of €60,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €36,000.00 2nd - €12,000.00 3rd - €6,000.00 4th - €3,000.00
FormscanBy Tom Weekes - The top three are closely matched on adjusted ratings with BLUE LORD finishing last season on an upward curve. Most of his form is over two miles but has Grade 1 form at this distance, goes on testing ground and is seemingly Paul Townend's pick over stablemate Tornado Flyer. Tornado Flyer won the King George last Christmas under today's regular rider Danny Mullins and while he possesses the strongest form, was beaten 51 lengths at Auteuil in May, and previously disappointed at Cheltenham and Punchestown. Race-fit, in-form Darasso has done most of his running on a sound surface in Ireland but has heavy-ground French form in the past and is helped by receiving weight from the top two. Grade 1-placed as a novice chaser, Pencilfulloflead fell on a reappearance run last December, when running in a first-time tongue tie, and hasn't shown worthwhile form since January 2021.
A steeplechase for four years old and upwardsWeights - 4-y-o 10st 11lbs 5-y-o and up 11st 3lbs Mares allowed 7lbsPenalties - Penalties (handicaps excluded) - to count from 1st May, 2021 Winner of three steeplechases or a Grade 3 steeplechase 3lb extra Of two Grade 3 steeplechases or a Grade 2 steeplechase 5lb extra Of a Grade 1 steeplechase 9lb extra