5.45 2m. 5f. 150yds. 11 Declared. Griffin Auctioneers H'cap S'chase of €10,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €6,000.00 2nd - €2,000.00 3rd - €1,000.00 4th - €500.00 5th - €300.00 6th - €200.00
FormscanBy Donal Murphy - Now on a career low mark of 74, the handicapper is really giving BELLGROVE a chance. The three-time course winner has come down twenty-pounds since his first run this year. His most recent effort at Roscommon was his best for a while, finishing fifth in the race won by Glenquin Castle. While now a thirteen-year-old, the Pat Cloke trained gelding should still be able to make an impact in a contest of this quality. Cluan Dara finished second in this very race twelve months ago and the John Ryan trained bay is given second preference. A winner at Clonmel in March, he wasn’t beaten far when fifth on his penultimate start at Limerick. Humps And Bumps won at Kilbeggan last month and she is sure to have plenty of supporters, while others for the shortlist in this competitive heat are Carnet De Stage, Crimson Chief, The Inbetween (first time cheekpieces) and handicap debutant Direct Image.
An extended handicap steeplechase for four years old and upwards rated 0-95Weights - Top weight in the original handicap and after the time of declaration shall not be less than 12st and the minimum weight shall not be less than 9st 12lbsPenalties - Winner of a steeplechase after calculation of the handicap shall carry 5lb extra for each steeplechase won.