DUE to the adverse weather forecast overnight there will be a precautionary inspection of the track at Clonmel this morning (7.0) to determine if the meeting can go ahead as planned. If it does get the green light, Anabatic looks the bet of the day in the Surehall Mercedes Chase (3.15).
The Michael O'Brien trained gelding was travelling very smoothly in a recent chase at Leopardstown won by Northern Hide and it seemed certain he was going to take a hand in the finish when a bad mistake at the second last gave his rider, Tom Rudd, no chance of staying in the saddle.
Before that mishap, Anabatic stayed on well when beaten half a length by New Co in a handicap hurdle at Navan and is clearly a horse with a future if he can get his jumping act together.
Native Joy showed tremendous battling qualities when getting up in the last 20 yards to beat the favourite, Cavalier d'Or, by three quarters of a length at Fairyhouse last month. David Hanley's Diesis gelding may follow up in the White Sands Catering Hurdle where conditions are sure to suit.
Flawless Finish, a winner of a novice chase over this course in November, can land the Gerry Chawke Handicap Hurdle (4.15) despite the burden of top weight. The concession of 23lb to Old Abbey at Punchestown last week proved a bit beyond Aidan O'Brien's mare, but she stayed on well to be beaten eight lengths with some useful horses behind her, in one of today's rivals,
Meanwhile, Norman Williamson, set to test his fitness for the first time since breaking his leg at Sedgefield last October, will have just one ride at Clonmel today.
Williamson is keen to prove to trainer Kim Bailey that he has brushed any cobwebs off his race riding style before taking the ride on favourite Master Oats in Sunday's Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown.
And he will hope that by partnering Lucky Bust in the opening maiden hurdle for Tipperary based trainer Billy Harney, reservations expressed by Bailey about his fitness will be banished.
Williamson will see Dr Walter Halley, medical officer of the Irish Turf Club, an hour before racing today hoping to get the all clear to compete.
