1st - €4,830.00 2nd - €1,190.00 3rd - €560.00 4th - €350.00 Fine and sunny

FormscanBy Gary Carson - Champion Hunter Chaser SALSIFY is obviously the one to beat here and looks a class act. He improved throughout last season and was given a peach of a ride by Colman Sweeney to take the Foxhunters at Cheltenham. He's unlikely to be fully wound up for this return to action but should have too much in the tank for these rivals. Tammys Hill was a revelation 'between the flags' last term and has already won twice this term. He was turned over at a short-price last time but the horse that beat him, Slippers Percy, was a decent sort on the track and has franked the form since. He looks the biggest threat to the champ. Merchant Royal has been well held on a couple of outings in points since joining David Christie and is hard to fancy on that form. By Design is an interesting contender in the JP McManus colours. He was a fine third in a bumper at Cork last April after winning a point-to-point and it's interesting connections go this route with him.

A steeplechase for Certified Hunters four yrs old and upwards that have been placed first, second, third or fourth in a Certified Hunters' Steeplechase or a Point-to-Point Steeplechase in Ireland between 26th September, 2009 and 28th November, 2012
Weights - 4-y-o 10st 7lb; 5-y-o and up 11st 4lb; Mares allowed 7lb
Penalties - (to count from 1st January, 2011) Winner of a steeplechase 5lb extra; Of two or more steeplechases 10lb extra
Riders - Qualified under I.N.H.S. Rules.