Rexem the one to beat for John McConnell but plenty of runners hoping the rain stays away from Clonmel

The John McConnell-trained Rexem looks the obvious starting point after his success over course and distance in a claimer this month, but the forecast rain could impact his chances – as it could with a few other fancied runners.

Rexem progressed into quite a useful chaser two seasons ago, reaching a rating of 134, but struggled in the early part of this year. After sliding down the weights, he put in an encouraging effort when third at Kilbeggan last month, beaten seven lengths by A Wave Of The Sea, and built on that last time.

Back over hurdles for the first time since February 2023, he was well treated at the weights and took advantage of the opportunity, doing well under pressure to fend off Jerandme by half a length. 

The form is nothing to get excited about and his mark remains unchanged. However, he is clearly capable of better than his 117 rating and is going in the right direction.

Connections won't want to see too much rain and the same applies to the Harry Kelly-trained Faceman. He has been in cracking form this year, landing a maiden hurdle at Kilbeggan in a decent time before finishing runner-up to Ballykinlar at the same track in handicap company. That's very useful form and the pair pulled well clear. The winner was a handicap blot, given he has since won two and is now rated 30lb higher.

Faceman subsequently showed a good attitude to score again at Tramore, before an underwhelming run last time at Downpatrick on softer ground. However, he should prove better than a mark of 110 before long and holds leading claims.

Elusive Ogie should be thereabouts with a repeat of his run in the Lartigue Hurdle last time, when he was beaten four and three-quarter lengths into third behind Last Kingdom – that is very strong form in the context of this race. 

The Eoin McCarthy stable is in fine form and he is one of the least exposed in the field, with just six runs under his belt, while the manner in which he stayed on late at Listowel would encourage you to think this step up in trip will be no issue.

Of the others, Ballycashin would have a big chance if returning to the form of her close third at Listowel last month, while Jacovec Cavern also has to put a below-par effort last time behind him, but he did string together two useful placed efforts at Bellewstown and Navan before that.

Ground

The ground on Wednesday was described as yielding on the hurdles course, and good to yielding on the chase track. The weather forecast is unsettled, with the possibility of further rain before racing. 

What they say

Eoin McCarthy, trainer of Elusive Ogie
It was a great run at Listowel and, if we don't get too much rain, we'd be looking forward to another big run. He was very strong to the line last time. If anything, he looked under pressure passing the bridge at Listowel, but the further up the straight, the better he was getting, so the step up in trip should suit.

Harry Kelly, trainer of Faceman
The ground got very soft at Downpatrick last time and he struggled on it a little bit. He's had a break since and runs well fresh. He's been in great form this year and was unlucky not to win three in a row as he ran into one at Kilbeggan. Hopefully, the ground will stay nice for him.

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