Clonmel preview Exxaro will bid to get off the mark over flights as he lines-up in the opener at Clonmel on Friday evening, the BBQ Evening At Clonmel Races Maiden Hurdle. The Henry De Bromhead-trained gelding cost €72,000 as a three-year-old and he is a half-brother to three-time winning stablemate Sizing Gold. He was second on his last outing at Killarney in May and he looks the one to beat here as he drops back in trip to two miles. Course and distance winner Stay With It was an easy victor at Kilbeggan on his last start and he is sure to have plenty of supporters in the Family Fun Evening At Clonmel Races Handicap Hurdle. The Mick Winters-trained eight-year-old has most to fear from Tempo Mac (who fell in the race won by Stay With It at Kilbeggan when still in with every chance), Santo Prince, Time For Bucks, Sharjah and Icelip. Colms Dream and Asithappens should go close in the Cluain Meala Handicap Hurdle while Diamond Dame, Key Account, Dark Outsider and Island Peak are a few for the shortlist in the Clonmel Show Sunday 5th July Handicap Chase. Colin Bowe is double-handed in the Valley Of Honey Beginners Chase and both his charge, Mells Theatre and Gold Patrol, look to have strong claims. Tiger Trek was a good third over hurdles at Wexford on his last start and he might be able to claim the John Kennedy Motors (Toyota) Clonmel Beginners Chase on his first start over the larger obstacles. The concluding Music After Racing From 'Legends' Flat Race looks an open affair with Deputy Pass, Loughmore Queen, Its Hard To No and B C's Pride the leading contenders.
