1st - £70,338.00 2nd - £26,500.00 3rd - £13,262.00 4th - £6,625.00 5th - £3,325.00 6th - £1,662.00 7th - £825.00 8th - £425.00

FormscanBy Michael Graham - ENVOI ALLEN is very, very hard to get away from. Gordon Elliott's star is unbeaten in his career comprising a point-to-point and seven races under rules. He has moved smoothly through the grades since winning his bumper at Fairyhouse in December 2018. A Listed bumper and a Grade 2 in that sphere were landed at Navan and Leopardstown respectively, before he won the Champion Bumper at last year's festival. After decisively scoring in his maiden hurdle at Down Royal, he was quickly elevated into Grade 1 company to win the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse and then at Naas (when stepped up to two and a half miles). His detractors would say that he doesn't win his races by far, but on a recent Cheltenham preview night Elliott's assistant Ian Amond mentioned that he is a laid-back horse who isn't flashy in his work. He also said the team believe he all the experience he needs for this test. The six-year-old leaves the distinct impression there is more in the tank, and he is taken to maintain his unbeaten record. Philip Hobbs' Sporting John enters the fray with four 1s to his name. He finishes his races out well and looks the pick of the English challenge. The Big Getaway, who represents Willie Mullins, could be anything after his 17-length demolition job in a Naas maiden hurdle. The horses in second and, in a different parish, in sixth came out and franked the form. The Big Breakaway and Easywork aren't out of it. Decor Irlandais has it all to do on ratings, however, Noel Kelly's admirable gelding will be ridden cold and could outrun his massive odds at the finish.

a hurdle race for novice four yrs old and upwards (Old Course)
Weights - 4-y-o 10st 13lb; 5-y-o and up 11st 7lb
Allowances - Fillies and mares allowed 7lb