Slick Justified leads Oil field

Racing:   Justified heads a field of nine for the Clonmel Oil Chase at the Co Tipperary track tomorrow.

Racing:  Justified heads a field of nine for the Clonmel Oil Chase at the Co Tipperary track tomorrow.

Dusty Sheehy's charge drops back to two and a half miles after finishing second to Taranis over three miles at Down Royal last time.

"He's in very good form and it will be no bother whatsoever stepping back in trip," said Sheehy.

"The ground is good but it might be good to yielding by tomorrow as they're set to have a drop of rain. It would be beautiful ground I would have thought."

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Philip Fenton believes Justified will provide tough opposition for his runner Sher Beau.

"He seems in good form and he appears to have taken his last race two weeks ago well," said Fenton.  "You can be sure it's going to be a tough contest with the likes of Justified in there.

"There's a drop of rain due there. The ground should be on the good side but it won't be any quicker and we'll be happy to let him take his chance on it."

Sher Beau finished third in this race 12 months ago, three and a half lengths behind Paul Nolan's runner-up Kill Devil Hill.

And Nolan will check on ground conditions before giving the seven-year-old the go-ahead this time.

Kill Devil Hill, beaten by the narrowest of margins behind Sir Oj in this Grade Two contest, has not raced since being pulled up in the Irish Grand National in April.

"They've been forecast a little rain and they'll need every bit of it," said Nolan.

"His legs got puffed up after the Irish National but he's very well and ready to run. I shall walk the track and see how it is.

"He's still got an entry in the Hennessy at Newbury but it's just a case of keeping all options open."

Michael Hourigan saddles last month's Limerick National winner Mossbank, while veteran Ansar represents Dermot Weld.

The field is completed by Jim, Light On The Broom, Knight Legend and Pacolet.