1st - €7,387.50 2nd - €2,500.00 3rd - €1,250.00 4th - €625.00 5th - €375.00 6th - €250.00 Showery

FormscanBy Mark Nunan - MASTERMIND had run a good race on his chasing debut at Leopardstown in March until pitching on landing at the last and unseating Bryan Cooper. He was making a race of it at the time with Aint Dunne Yet, a useful novice last season for Noel Meade. The selection has run well on the Flat a few times since, chasing home the likes of Conron and Linger in staying events. The dual hurdle winner might prefer a bit further than this sharp two miles, but can still acquit himself well here. Cliff House won a handicap hurdle on that same pre-Cheltenham card at Leopardstown, and was runner-up three times in beginners’ chases in May behind the likes of Farclas and Wicklow Brave. Philip Enright partners him for the first time, and will be trying to put all that chasing experience to good use. Roconga is another with lots of placed form over fences, and he’ll be better for his comeback run at Tipperary. Out Of The Loop was a very smart handicap hurdler, but might take a run or two to find his feet in this sphere, while Pateen has a small each-way chance having run well after a lay-off behind Zero Ten at Galway a week ago.

A steeplechase for four years old and upwards that have not won a steeplechase
Weights - 4-y-o 11st 1lbs ;5-y-o and up 11st 12lbs ;Mares allowed 7lbs ;