Form Lines - Clover Pearl

Despite having just her second start in 16 months at Leopardstown on Pierse Day, Clover Pearl [WON 9/1 - Galway, 30/7/08] was straight enough to split Motaraqeb and Splurge in a tight finish of the 0-109 handicap hurdle. That pair were subsequently first and second (clear of the remainder) in a 0-130 race at Gowran on Thursday, suggesting that Clover Pearl is well-in on a mark of 96, just 4lbs than when runner-up at Leopardstown. The 8yo mare came from well off the pace to get within 3/4ls of the enterprisingly and brilliantly-ridden winner so is better than the bare form and a brief look at some of her old form adds further suppport to the idea that she's one to follow. The Clonmel race she won in May 2006 worked out particularly well with the second Jigalo now rated 110 (ran off 83 on that occasion) and the third Clochmail Castle now a 117-rated chaser (raced off 80 that day). Clover Pearl has obviously had her training problems but if she stays sound, the daughter of Luso should win at least one lowly handicap hurdle for connections.