1st - €19,987.50 2nd - €6,500.00 3rd - €3,250.00 4th - €1,625.00 5th - €812.50 Overcast, threat of rain

FormscanBy Gary Carson - A cracking looking race here and the vote goes to the exciting BENIE DES DIEUX. The French import has only made two appearances since joining Willie Mullins but blew away her opposition both times and looks a really top drawer performer. She won with any amount in hand when taking a similar contest over two-and-a-half at Carlisle in early December and while she faces a better calibre of rival now she looks to have the class to give weight away to her rivals. Judged on her performance last time this drop back in trip doesn't look like it should be an issue. Stable-mate Asthuria is a very smart prospect herself but may have a bit more to learn over fences. She won her second chase start in fine style here last month but tended to jump out to her right and this is a much stiffer test. Saying that a 7lb pull is a big plus for her. Dinaria Des Obeaux comes here having landed a Grade 2 contest at Thurles in good style last time and she has to be a big player as well. She had been mixing it in Grade 1 company previously and on official terms she comes out best at the weights here.

A steeplechase for five yrs old and upwards mares only
Weights - 5-y-o 10st 6lb; 6-y-o and up 10st 11lb
Penalties - (handicaps excluded) to count from 1st August, 2016 Winner of two steeplechases 3lb extra; Of three steeplechases or of a Grade 3 steeplechase 6lb extra; Of two Grade 3 steeplechases or of a Grade 2 steeplechase 8lb extra; Of a Grade 1 steeplechase 10lb extra; Allowance Mares that have not won a steeplechase before 30th April, 2017 allowed 4lb