3.07 3m. 10 Declared. Wilkinstown Beginners S'chase of €12,500.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €7,500.00 2nd - €2,500.00 3rd - €1,250.00 4th - €625.00 5th - €375.00 6th - €250.00
FormscanBy Tom Weekes - LORD ROYAL's career has, as yet, failed to take off but can win this. Promising in two hurdle outings, he fell on chase debut at Thurles in November when holding strong claims, and while disappointing at Naas in December, the low sun then resulted in four fences being omitted which hindered his chances over 2m1f. He carries a first-time tongue-tie today, which is concerning, but also notably steps up to three miles and, at the time of writing, the outlook for Navan at 3pm is suitably grey and bleak. Defi Bleu himself steps up to three miles having fallen over 2m1f at Leopardstown over Christmas. He was a capable hurdler and while he lacks a gear to be high class, he can trouble the selection today. The Big Dog is a big staying chaser, rated 135. He brings proven form here but does appear vulnerable to smart types. Jammy George has rejoined Tom Cooper and can also get involved. He was a useful staying chaser for Harry Whittington in Britain but did pull up on his latest start in November.
A steeplechase for five years old and upwards that have not won a steeplechaseWeights - 5-y-o 11st 6lbs 6-y-o and up 12st Mares allowed 7lbs