12.40 Clonmel: the one race you can't afford to miss on Thursday

12.40 Clonmel
Jim Strang & Sons Kilsheelan (Peugeot) Hurdle | 4yo+ | 3m | RTV

Why is it interesting?

A hurdle race dominated by horses better known for their exploits over fences. Cheltenham Festival winner and Grand National third Rathvinden is joined by stablemate Total Recall, who completed the Munster National/Ladbrokes Trophy double two years ago.

Throw in the Gordon Elliott-trained The Storyteller, a handicap chase winner at the Cheltenham Festival and a Grade 1 winner at Punchestown in 2018, and this seven-runner event has an unusual look to it.

Rathvinden, who will turn 12 next year, won the 2018 National Hunt Chase and was beaten five lengths behind Tiger Roll in the Grand National last season.

The mount of Paul Townend, Rathvinden last ran over hurdles when third behind stablemate Faugheen in what is now the Ballymore Novices Hurdle in 2014.

Total Recall: won the Ladbrokes Trophy two years agoCredit: David Keane

It's a similar story with Total Recall, who reverts back to hurdles for the first time since landing a 3m handicap at Leopardstown in February 2018. Mullins is also represented by Class Conti, a dual winner over hurdles when trained in France who twice ran over fences last season.

The Storyteller, twice successful over hurdles and the mount of Davy Russell, unseated his rider at the last in the American Grand National at Far Hills in October on his most recent start.

What do the stats say?

Willie Mullins has won this race twice in recent years, sending out Clondaw Warrior to glory in 2016 and Scarpeta, who scored last year at 1-2.

What do the trainers say?

Willie Mullins, trainer of Rathvinden, Total Recall and Class Conti
All three of them are having their first run of the season. It looked a suitable opportunity to get them started before they run over the Christmas period. They're ready for action and we'll see how things go.

The Storyteller: represents Gordon ElliottCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Gordon Elliott, trainer of The Storyteller
He seems in good order and we're hoping for a good run. He's entered up over Christmas but there is no definite plan for him yet.

What do our tipsters say?

Simply on the basis that she is a specialist hurdler with race-fitness on her side, it may be worth taking a chance on Mary Frances against a three-strong Willie Mullins team that is headed by the Grand National third Rathvinden.
Alan Sweetman

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