RACING/Clonmel Preview: Farranfore can put the smile back on Edward O'Grady's face by winning the bumper at Clonmel today.
The Co Tipperary trainer has had to cope with the news this week that an irregular heartbeat might scupper Back In Front's chances of making the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham next month.
Last year's festival winner has been sent to a veterinary hospital and O'Grady reports that more will be known about Back In Front's chances of making Cheltenham in a few days.
Farranfore is in a much lesser league of competition but O'Grady will still be hoping that Clonmel gets the green light to race so the John Magnier-owned horse can win at the third time of asking.
The track authorities were hopeful of passing a 7.30 inspection this morning and manager Jerry Desmond said yesterday: "We're very confident of going ahead. The forecast is encouraging and there is no more rain expected until tomorrow night."
Farranfore was odds-on at Leopardstown last time but couldn't match strides with the high-class Total Enjoyment down the back and eventually faded to third. That was first appearance after a long break and it should have put him spot on to cope with the luckless Jakers.
It could also be third time lucky over hurdles for Lasquini Du Moulin in the opening maiden hurdle. The Mullins runner was a running-on second to Cane Brake at Fairyhouse and looks up to coping with the testing conditions. Zero To Hero has ground to make up on Pearly Jack on Watson Lake form at Naas but may still be the answer to the second maiden hurdle.
