Thursday's Clonmel Oil Chase: runner-by-runner guide and verdict

Scrolling through the past winners of Thursday’s Clonmel Oil Chase is enough to evoke deep feelings of nostalgia. Doran's Pride, Beef Or Salmon, War Of Attrition, Sizing Europe, Champagne Fever, Douvan and Allaho are among the champions to have landed this prize.

While today’s line up might not be as strong as previous years, it provides plenty of intrigue and the opportunity to enjoy a bet.

You can claim up to €40 in free bets with William Hill to spend on an excellent betting day at Clonmel:

Having previously struck gold with the likes of Champagne Fever (2014), Kemboy (2018), Douvan (2019) and Allaho (2023), Willie Mullins is this year represented by Saint Sam who reverts to the chasing game after winning over hurdles at Auteuil last time out and is likely to adopt forcing tactics which could stretch his rivals. He has been in excellent form over flights in August and September as he posted victories in Cork and Auteuil respectively. The better ground conditions will be a plus for him.

Four-time Grade One victor Fakir D'oudairies claimed this Grade 2 contest three years ago by 15 lengths in the colours of JP McManus, the only winner in the past six runnings not trained by Willie Mullins. The nine-year-old finished down the field on his most recent outing in the Kerry National at Listowel in late September, but given that was his first competitive appearance since February, Joseph O’Brien is expecting an improved performance in County Tipperary, stating that “any rain that falls will be a help to him". He is advantaged by the weights on this occasion and he wears a tongue strap.

Joseph O’Brien also saddles Solness who is seemingly at the top of his game, with a handicap chase victory at Listowel followed by a comfortable success in a three-runner conditions hurdle at Sligo last month. He’s versatile, consistent and unlike his stablemate, he will appreciate the drying ground.

Sold for 620,000 guineas earlier this year, this talented chaser should not be underestimated. Gordon Elliott’s representative was last seen when pulling up in the Punchestown Champion Chase, however following a break Elliott is reportedly delighted with the form he is in at home. The six-year-old goes well fresh and it would not be a surprise to see him firmly in the mix.

Joined Tom Gibney’s yard from Willie Mullins and is another who goes well following a break. He has some eye-catching form in the book having finished not too far behind Gerri Colombe and The Real Whacker in 2023. May be seen to his best over further.

The outsider of the field, James Barcoe’s mare is likely to be out of her depth in this company, however she has posted wins on the flat, over hurdles and over fences. The ten-year-old has finished tenth on her last two starts.

Verdict: Saint Sam can provide Willie Mullins with a ninth victory in the race.

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