Clonmel Oil Chase

four low-level cards in the U.K. today, but one race stands out in Ireland, the Clonmel Oil Chase over 2 1/2 miles at 15.25 CET, Clonmel´s biggest race of the year. This sometimes has an uncompetitive look, but not today as the race has attracted two of jumpings´s superstars, Sizing Europe (Henry de Bromhead/ Johnathan Burke) and Champagne Fever (Willie Mullins/ Paul Townend) and it is difficult to choose beween them. The former, now 12 years old, has been one of the most successful chasers of all time between 2 miles and today´s distance; he has won 22 of his 45 starts, including this race in 2012, the Champion Chase at Cheltenham in 2011 and 7 other Grade One races. The latter, a mere youngster of 7, has won 7 of his 14 starts including twice at Cheltenham Festival, where he was also runner-up in the Arkle last season. He is racing in open company for the first time, but gets 11 lbs from Sizing Europe which certainly could even things up a bit. It is raining heavily at Clonmel and the going might get heavy, which will probably be ideal for neither horse, but it is hard to see any of the other runners playing a leading role and we give our support to the older horse.
The undercard is headed by the Grade Three TA Morris Memorial, a mares chase over the same distance half an hour later. Une Artiste (Nicky Henderson/ Barry Geraghty) and Baby Shine (Lucy Wadham/ Dougie Costello) are two raiders from England and could well dominate here, with the Henderson mare, running for the third time in Ireland this year and winner of as a similar event at Fairyhouse at Easter, preferred. She was earller narrowly defeated by Byerly Babe /Robert Tyner/ Mark Walsh) at Thurles but is now better off at the weights; Kates Benefit (D Budds/ Davy Russell) was fourth in that race, and these two are the main Irish hopes here.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Killultagh Vic - The Mighty Milan - Why Not Thistle
2. Race: The Bold Beckey - Cloudy Morning - All Honours
3. Race: Clara Mc Cloud - Make A Track - Leavethelighton
4. Race: Champagne Fever - Sizing Europe - Alderwood
5. Race: Byerley Babe - Baby Shine - Une Artiste
6. Race: Elegant Statesman - Pumbaa - Spot Fine
7. Race: Railway Rule - Barbalicious - Kennady