1st - €73,750.00 2nd - €25,000.00 3rd - €12,500.00 4th - €6,250.00 5th - €3,750.00 6th - €2,500.00 Overcast

FormscanBy Gary Carson - A cracking race in prospect with three exciting two-milers doing battle in a race that will go a long way to sorting out a pecking order in this division in Ireland. FOOTPAD is fancied to step up and confirm his class in the Grade 1. The season started on a low point for last year's scintillating Arkle winner when an injury suffered early in the Poplar Chase at Naas saw him labour around and eventually fall at the last fence. He's clearly a lot better than that and connections have given him time to recover ahead of this acid test. Stable-mate Great Field also faces his first big test here in open company. He blazed a trail during his novice campaign a couple of seasons ago but was only seen once last term when taking a Grade 2 contest at Navan. His old jumping issues surfaced again at Cork on his return and he'll need to be foot perfect in this company. There is no doubt he has a massive engine but he needs to step up and prove himself top class against the likes of Footpad. Likewise Ballyoisin, who also carries the JP McManus colours, faces a big test stepping into Grade 1 company. He comes into the race off the back of four wins and was spectacular at Navan last time but is still unproven at the very highest level. Footpad has done it at championship level, albeit as a novice, and can stamp his class on proceedings here.

A steeplechase for five yrs old and upwards
Weights - 11st 12lb; Mares allowed 7lb; Closing Date 28th November ;