Smudge should make his mark in Clonmel A3 grade he thrives in

SMUDGE lost his unbeaten record in the grade last time but can rebound to land a fourth victory in five starts at the level by taking Clonmel's A3 over 525 yards at 8.34.

Best when able to dominate, he just failed to clear the bend in that contest a fortnight ago but looks to have every chance of doing so this evening.

He can then open up along the back straight to build a decisive advantage.

Veronica Drea's Pops Sophie (7.04) and Maurice Organ's Uisce Beatha (8.16) are other Clonmel fancies.

The best may be saved until last at Lifford this afternoon in the shape of Paul Whyte's Fridays Cobbler in the A7 finale at 5.46 with earlier suggestions being Eddie Hurson's Solo Nia (3.41) and Dylan Porter's Porthall Boatman (4.18).

There is morning open action at Valley where Steve Howard's Romeo Victor can shrug off a short absence to beat three rivals in a 460m contest at 1.12.

The other early meeting is Doncaster with Jimmy Gaskin's Redbrick Rose making most appeal when she goes in a B4 over 450m at 12.46.

The scheduled afternoon fixture at Star Pelaw has been cancelled due to high winds.

Smudge (nap)
T6 Clonmel 8.34