4.15 1m. 4f. 13 Declared. Irishinjuredjockeys.com Apprentice H'cap of €11,500.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €6,900.00 2nd - €2,300.00 3rd - €1,150.00 4th - €575.00 5th - €345.00 6th - €230.00
FormscanBy Tom Weekes - Dual hurdle winner ANNEXATION steps up to this 1m4f flat trip for the first time. A capable hurdler, he met significant trouble in-running winning here last month and while his best flat form is at a mile, stayed on well on his latest run and this surface can continue to see him in good light. White Marlin, a half-brother to Group 1 winning sprinter Romantic Proposal, showed plenty ability winning on debut over CD last month and while open to plenty progression, also steps up in grade against experienced rivals. Lord McZie is remarkable in that he has twice won over five furlongs and again over 1m2f here in December. He steps up further in trip but being so well bred (his half-brother won a Group 2 and two other siblings are black-type performers), could well continue his progression at this distance. House Of Kings is in good form and can get involved despite a recent ratings hike.
An extended handicap for four years old and upwards rated 50-80Weights - Top weight in the original handicap and after the time of declaration shall not be less than 10st 2lbs and the minimum weight shall not be less than 8st 6lbsPenalties - (after calculation of the handicap) A winner shall carry 5lb extra for each race won.Riders - Apprentices who hold an Apprentice Licence under Rules of Racing issued by any recognised Turf Authority and who have not lost the right to claim the 5lb allowance (65 winners) Allowances - (up to and including 10th January and which are not cumulative) Apprentices who have not ridden three *winners allowed..........7lb Apprentices who have not ridden twenty *winners allowed..........4lb Apprentices who have not ridden forty *winners allowed..........2lb *Including races under any N.H. Rules