Clonmel 2:24 Result

Rocky's Howya's recent form figures -10101 stand out clearly from this moderate claiming hurdle field - that's two wins and a second from the last five runs, showing he's in winning form right now and fit (ran 36 days ago, not too far off). An OR of 116 is competitive at the top of this field alongside Black Heather, Jackson Lamb and Plontier, but none of those have his recent win momentum - Black Heather is well below form (/635P-), Jackson Lamb is modest with a P75250 line, and Plontier's 46/7-0 is scrappy with an unconvincing last start. The addition of tongue-tie/visor (tv) headgear suggests the yard are trying to keep him sharp and focused, and Declan Queally's claimer types tend to go well fresh off a break with useful placed form. Weight of 156lbs is fair. The 2m3f trip suits based on his effective placings. Jockey Kevin Healy's claim also helps on the weights. This is a fairly open, modest-class handicap/claimer where recent solid form counts for a lot, and Rocky's Howya is the one horse here who looks to be in form and on a definite upward curve rather than searching for a return to form like most of his rivals. I'm happy to back him as the most solid, in-form contender in a race lacking standout class.