Timeform Daily: The Clonmel Oil Chase (Grade 2) at Clonmel 2.25 , Thursday 13th November

Race of the Day Preview / Timeform / 12 November 2008 / Leave a Comment

Timeform run the rule over a popular race which boasts a class act who may be destined for big things again this year.

Seven runners are declared for this popular Grade 2 at Clonmel which features the reappearance of Snowy Morning, third in last year's Grand National and second to Neptune Collonges in the Punchestown Gold Cup.

One Cool Cookie: Smart chaser on his day but last success came when finishing alone in a Grade 3 at Down Royal twelve months ago and questions to answer now having shaped as if amiss on his final start last season and on his reappearance; cheekpieces applied for first time here.

Ballistraw: Smart chaser and quite lightly-raced for his age, finest hour coming last season when winning Grade 2 Red Mills Chase at Gowran when outsider of five-runner field. 11 lb rise proved beyond him back in handicap-company in Irish National only other start last term; has tended to need the run on his reappearance in the past.

Snowy Morning: Without doubt the class-act in the field and potentially capable of even better this year given his age and profile. Has finished out of the frame just once in sixteen National Hunt starts, that when falling in last season's Hennessy, and looks the one to beat on his reappearance before he goes on to make his mark in the top staying chases once more.

Glenfinn Captain: Useful and consistent chaser who won for first time since debut over fences in 2006 when successful in minor event over course and distance a fortnight ago, eased in finish and value for even more than eleven-length winning margin. Could yet make his mark in Graded races round this trip but has further improvement to find to get competitive with a few others even if the likely favourite doesn't give his running.

Kill Devil Hill: Quite lightly-raced since success in Grade 1 Novice at Fairyhouse three years back; shaping well on only start last season when fourth in this twelve months ago (had been beaten short head in 2006 running). Reportedly suffers from respiratory tract infections and has to prove his well-being once more so percentage call is to oppose.

Light On The Broom: Without a win since 2005/6 but as good as ever at the age of twelve, finishing runner-up on his last two outings behind Knight Legend in Grade 2 at Gowran and Kauto Star in James Nicholson. Would be most popular winner but looks booked for a place again at best.

Clopf: Novice season ended with a whimper; fall at last when looking to have Grade 2 at Navan at his mercy probably left more of a mark than first imagined and tendency to find nothing makes him one to leave alone for now.