1.35 2m. 4f. 4 Declared. BARONERACING.COM Drinmore Novice S'chase (Grade 1) of €70,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €42,000.00 2nd - €14,000.00 3rd - €7,000.00 4th - €3,500.00
FormscanBy Tom Weekes - Unbeaten ENVOI ALLEN has frightened away the opposition, with today's four-runner field the smallest ever for the Drinmore, which was first run in its present form in 1994. ENVOI ALLEN has had a faultless transition through the gears from point-to-points, bumpers and novice hurdles, is already a dual-Cheltenham Festival winner who made an excellent start to his chasing career at Down Royal last month. He is a top-notch performer who should win again and he also beat today's rival Assemble by 11.75L when giving him 5lbs in a course bumper in 2018. Assemble is himself an able performer who did well to win on chase debut here (over 2m5f) 16 days ago. He doesn't have the same ability of the selection but might prove second-best, with testing ground in his favour. Home By The Lee has won five of his eight races and while he failed to make the grade in high class novice hurdles, is unbeaten in two chase outings. His latest was in a Cork Grade 3 and while he shouldn't trouble the selection, can trouble Assemble for second. Coko Beach was a non-runner at Gowran nine days ago (stone bruise) and while capable himself, having chased home a subsequent Graded winner at Galway latest, will also struggle to win. He can play a part for the runner-up spot and made the running when second at Galway latest so could provide some company for ENVOI ALLEN up-front today. %0A
A novice steeplechase for four years old and upwardsWeights - 4-y-o 11st 3lbs 5-y-o and up 11st 12lbs Mares allowed 7lbs