1st - €6,900.00 2nd - €1,700.00 3rd - €800.00 4th - €500.00 Overcast

FormscanBy Donal Murphy - I'm going to take a bit of a chance here on NEXT BEND. The Dermot Weld trained gelding finished last on his debut at Fairyhouse recently but he can be forgiven for that run with his rider Pat Smullen reporting to the Stewards that his mount jumped the grass markings in running. The track at Fairyhouse came in for plenty of criticism that day, and a much improved performance can be expected from the son of Azamour now as he steps up in trip to a mile and two. Hurricane Volta is sure to prove popular with punters but he might need this run with his last effort coming nearly a year ago. He finished a good third behind Orchestra on that occasion and it will be interesting to see how he gets on here fitted with cheekpieces for the first time. Sindarban is a nicely bred newcomer from the Mick Halford yard and he warrants the utmost respect while The Big Cat (formerly Willie McCreery now John Oxx) and Hagler are two others to consider.

For three yrs old and upwards, maidens at starting
Weights - 3-y-o 9st 5lb; 4-y-o and up 10st 2lb; Fillies allowed 5lb;