Clonagam gets nap vote

WEXFORD FEATURES a Pounds 4,000 guaranteed jackpot this evening but the competitive nature of the racing means picking up a share of the pot will be no easy task.

One exception, however, could come in the opening leg, the Club Orange Novices Chase, where the top weight Clonagam gets the vote to beat the class animal on show, Derrymoyle.

Derrymoyle has been a top class staying hurdler over the past few seasons and proved those who thought him a back number in the top flight to be wrong when finishing third to Paddy's Return and Escartefigue in the Champion Stayers Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival.

That was a big improvement on his Cheltenham Stayers Hurdle effort when he tailed off 10th behind Karshi and there is little doubt that if Derrymoyle can maintain his level of ability then he will be a formidable opponent over fences. However, circumstances may mean he has to settle for the minor money today.

The two and a quarter mile trip will be short of Derrymoyle's optimum and he will surety come on for this race. In contrast, Clonagam is at a peak and running over an ideal distance.

The Jessica Harrington-trained gelding carries a 6lb penalty for winning at Cork last month but should be up to defying it. The only moment of anxiety that day came at the third last which the pacemaking Clonagam hit hard. That didn't stop him though carrying on to a 15-length success over Mr K's Winterblues.

Apart from Derrymoyle, Clonagam will have to be in the same sort of form to deal with Strong Boost and the promising five year old Lord Esker but is selected to do just that.

It could be a good evening all round for Moone-based Harrington as she also saddles Sister Rose in the bumper and in a weak looking contest, the six-year-old, a reasonable fourth to Kinnegad Girl at Navan in April, is selected to win.

The Tusker House Handicap has only four runners but it is an intriguing little contest where Balylennon Mist is marginally preferred. This filly did us a big favour when winning a claimer at Clonmel last time out, after which she was claimed for Pounds 4,002 out of Willie Mullins's yard.

Ballylennon Mist defeated Rainbow Warror by a length and a half at Clonmel in a smooth performance and is selected to repeat that form as well as beating Pas Possible and Mayasta.