1st - €10,005.00 2nd - €2,465.00 3rd - €1,160.00 4th - €725.00 Fine

FormscanBy Eamonn Murphy - Commanchewardance would be the selection here but I'd have a nagging doubt about him truly seeing out two and three quarter miles at Punchestown on deep ground. He struck this observer for the first time when winning on the same day as the selection in the first race, Mount Benbulben, at the Tinahely point-to-point in January 2011. Usually Denis Murphy would sell-on his winning 'pointers' but this fellow is owned by an uncle of his and, as only a six-year-old still, he looks sure to give his connections plenty of fun over intermediate trips on the racecourse. The fact that Davy Russell takes over the reins on Commanchewardance for the first time, is another plus, so it's a case of standing by for a big performance. However the vote is awarded to TARQUINIUS. This fellow sports new silks now, seen previously on good horses such as That's An Idea, Backspin and The Westener Boy. Gordon Elliott's lightly-weighted grey has been showing consistent form lately and he nearly pegged back Ballyfinboy over hurdles at Navan last Sunday. His previous trainer, Charlie Mann said of the Turgeon gelding in a past stable tour: "He won't be out until it starts raining and he should continue to pay his way. He might be one for something like the Eider Chase as he wants cut in the ground and all he does is stay."

An extended handicap steeplechase for four yrs old and upwards rated 0-130
Penalties - Winner of a steeplechase after calculation of the handicap to carry 4lb extra for each such steeplechase won.