6.48 2m. 2f. 152yds. 15 Declared. Botanica International H'cap H'dle of €10,500.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €6,300.00 2nd - €2,100.00 3rd - €1,050.00 4th - €525.00 5th - €315.00 6th - €210.00
FormscanBy John O'Riordan - Well supported when second here before Christmas, THE BIG CLOUD can reward those who stay loyal. The Shane Crawley-trained mare went close again when third next time at Punchestown but something clearly had to be amiss when she ran no sort of race last time. That disappointing effort needs to be forgiven but the six-year-old deserves another chance. Handicap debutant King Of Cong is one to note in the market. Trainer Terence O'Brien has enjoyed a good campaign and the former point-to-point runner-up will appreciate stepping up in trip here. Lilian Bland is most likely a better chaser than hurdler but it is hard to get away from her lower handicap mark over flights. She, too, can play a part in the finish.
An extended handicap hurdle for four years old and upwards rated 80-95Penalties - Winner of a hurdle race after calculation of the handicap shall carry 7lb extra for each hurdle race won.