1st - €8,008.00 2nd - €2,600.00 3rd - €1,300.00 4th - €650.00 5th - €325.00 Raining

FormscanBy Tom Weekes - AVELLINO has done very well for Dermot McLoughlin and can win this, having returned to form on her reappearance run at Navan last month. A dual bumper winner in 2015/16, she seems to retain all that ability and now has the crucial benefit of fitness against principal rival Three Swallowsnick. Three Swallowsnick was herself a smashing prospect prior to getting injured at Navan in December 2016 and is the winner of two point to points and two bumpers. She is the type to win plenty more races, provided she stays injury free, but does is at a disadvantage fitness-wise against AVELLINO. Epicuris, a Group 1 winning 2yo for Criquette Head-Maarek who finished fifth to Golden Horn in the 2015 Derby, has since developed his ideas about racing. He carries his head higher than most and while he does bring recent form to this race, needs to behave himself to win today. Mike Darcy makes his eagerly awaited return to race-riding here, following an epilepsy enforced two year layoff, on Important Message. Important Message was a smart flat performer but might struggle to win on his return from a long absence.

A hurdle race for six yrs old and upwards, maidens at starting
Weights - 11st 12lb; Mares allowed 7lb;