1.30 2m. 190yds. 10 Declared. Irish EBF Feathard Lady (M) Novice Hdle (Grade 3) of €32,500.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €19,500.00 2nd - €6,500.00 3rd - €3,250.00 4th - €1,625.00 5th - €975.00 6th - €650.00
FormscanBy Donal Murphy - If able to dictate things in front, CHAMPAGNE PROBLEM may prove difficult to peg back. The Fame And Glory bay wasn't allowed to adopt her customary front-running role at Gowran and she was ultimately let down by some sloppy hurdling. She still managed to finish a highly respectable second and like many of her rivals, her potential has yet to be fully realised. The selection is trained by Willie Mullins and the master of Closutton also saddles Nikini, Carrigmoorna Queen and Saylavee. The latter impressed on her debut over flights at Gowran and is now bidding for her fourth win in-a-row. The Model Kingdom is four wins from five starts and is sure to prove popular with punters. She was successful in Grade 3 company at the Punchestown Festival and pretty much sets the standard. Henry de Bromhead has interesting contenders in the shape of Magical Zoe and Rioga Choice. The former was impressive on her hurdling debut at Wexford and is in the 'could be anything' bracket, while the latter, who was an easy winner at Roscommon in August, will be ridden by Rachael Blackmore. Liberty Dance faces a tough ask on her first start over hurdles, but she has strong bumper form to her name and can't be discounted.
A novice hurdle for four years old and upwards mares only that are EBF eligibleWeights - 10st 10lbsPenalties - Penalties (handicaps excluded) - Winner of two hurdle races 4lb extra Of three hurdle races or a Grade 3 hurdle race 7lb extra Of two Grade 3 hurdle races or a Grade 2 hurdle race 9lb extra Of a Grade 1 hurdle race 13lb extra