The start of top-class racing this weekend and today is highlighted today by the Grade 2 Clonmel Oil Chase, a race in which I have a strong selection.

But before I get to that, here are my best horse racing betting tips for Thursday and the best online horse racing bookmakers to help you make your next bet a winning one.

Best bets for Thursday horse racing

• Clonmel 12:20 – Lady Rose Hackett
• Clonmel 1:30 – Tag Man
• Clonmel 2:40 – Saint Sam

Clonmel 12:20 – I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle (2m3f)

After a third at Tipperary in May, LADY ROSE HACKETT can get off the mark over hurdles here today.

The winner of that maiden hurdle has since gone on to win at Chepstow, while the runner-up and fourth-place had previously won a bumper, giving that run more substance.

This point-to-point winner out of 2007 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle third, Amaretto Rose, has already shown form on what will likely be ground on the good side, giving her strong claims here.

With Henry de Bromhead in flying form, Lady Rose Hackett should be hard to beat here.

Bet on Lady Rose Hackett with Paddy Power

Clonmel 1:30 – Clonmel Oil Service Station Handicap Hurdle (3m)

He may have to carry top-weight today, but TAG MAN comes in here with a lot to like.

A winner at this track over fences in June, Tag Man tackles hurdles today and has shown some good form against future-graded performers like Ashroe Diamond, Good Land, Found A Fifty, High Class Hero and Saint Sam.

He stepped up to three miles over hurdles for the first time in August, which resulted in a comfortable win over Run For Oscar.

If he is ready to go after a small break, top weight shouldn’t be enough to stop Tag Man from getting his head in front once again.

Bet on Tag Man with bet365

Clonmel 2:40 – Grade 2 Clonmel Oil Chase (2m4)

This race has been the starting point for some of the racing greats over the years, with Beef Or Salmon, War Of Attrition, Sizing Europe, Kemboy, Douvan, and Allaho all on the list of winners of the Clonmel Oil Chase.

This year may lack the star power, but one who is thriving and comes here in search of a hat-trick is SAINT SAM.

His last two wins have been over hurdles, including a 27-length win over Tag Man (runs at 1:30), but Saint Sam has shown that he can finally strike at this level over fences.

He must concede weight all around here, including former Grade 1 winning chaser and the 2021 Clonmel Oil Chase winner Fakir d’Oudairies, but his form has dropped off considerably over the past year.

All bar Solness has something to prove here today, so with Saint Sam’s form and Willie Mullins’s record, winning eight of the last ten runnings of the Clonmel Oil Case, Saint Sam looks like a standout selection.

Bet on Saint Sam with Betano

About the author

Andrew Halligan

My name is Andrew Halligan, horse racing pundit and founder of YouTube’s The Finishing Line Podcast. Horse racing is a thrilling spectacle that captivates audiences around the world with its blend of drama and excitement. Whether you’re a jumps or flat fan, I will use my experience of working within the horse racing industry to bring the best of what this sport has to offer.

You can follow Andrew on X (@Halligan88).

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