1st - €8,008.00 2nd - €2,600.00 3rd - €1,300.00 4th - €650.00 5th - €325.00 Overcast

FormscanBy Donal Murphy - EAGLE LION gets the nod here. The Pat Kelly trained chestnut ran a nice race to finish third on his first start at Galway in October, but was better again on his second start, filling the runner-up spot on what was his debut over flights. He kept on nicely on that occasion, and the step up in trip to two and a half miles here should suit him well. Redhotfillypeppers is given second preference. The Willie Mullins trained six-year-old won her bumper over the course in December of 2016, and finished third in a Listed contest on her penultimate start at Navan. She was a good third on her debut over flights at Fairyhouse earlier this month, and had subsequent winners Goaheadmakemyday and Wings Like Arion behind her there. The 122 rated Asbury Boss is another leading contender, despite disappointing on his last start at Leopardstown. He was second the time before that at Down Royal, and has already won three times on the level.

A hurdle race for four yrs old and upwards, maidens at starting
Weights - 4-y-o 10st 9lb; 5-y-o 11st 9lb; 6-y-o and up 11st 12lb; Mares allowed 7lb;