1st - €12,320.00 2nd - €4,000.00 3rd - €2,000.00 4th - €1,000.00 5th - €500.00 Overcast

FormscanBy Tom Weekes - CLOSE SHAVE might prove best here having proven himself a capable type at this sort of level. He was well enough held at Punchestown when last seen in November but did make a mistake four out then, and is a proven sort on testing ground and at this trip. Ballela Boy failed to make the most of his Limerick opportunity (the winner blundered badly at the final fence) latest but should still get involved today and has the benefit of seven previous chase outings. Alto Esqua, a lightly raced sort, was well supported when disappointing at Roscommon in September and has a little to prove on his reappearance run today. Art Of Synergy makes his chase debut here but he is sure to be well schooled. He hasn't run since May but could well get involved today if taking well to his fences, and while he has winning form on a sound surface, had previously shown useful form on testing ground. Inis Meain has been a fine servant but is now winless in almost four years and should again struggle to win today.

A novice steeplechase for five yrs old and upwards that are EBF eligible and which at entry are rated 123 or less, also open to horses which, at entry, are rated 123 or less in hurdle races
Weights - 5-y-o 10st 10lb; 6-y-o and up 11st 3lb
Penalties - Winner of a steeplechase 4lb extra; Of two steeplechases 7lb extra; Horses which, at entry, have not run in two or more steeplechases and/or do not have a published steeplechase rating may enter and run at the discretion of the handicapper provided their steeplechase rating is 123 or less. Horses which, at entry, have not run in three or more hurdle races and/or do not have a published hurdle rating may enter and run at the discretion of the handicapper provided their hurdle rating is 123 or less. However hurdle ratings and performances will only be considered after steeplechase ratings and performances.