3.07 2m. 1f. 160yds. 12 Declared. Mr. Binman H'cap S'chase of €11,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €6,600.00 2nd - €2,200.00 3rd - €1,100.00 4th - €550.00 5th - €330.00 6th - €220.00
FormscanBy Tom Weekes - CHALKY WHITE might prove best. He comes here as yet a fairly unexposed type and having landed a gamble to win on handicap hurdle debut at Thurles last March, was beaten in five subsequent chase starts before running a good race when second back over hurdles at Clonmel recently. He competes today from a chase mark which is 2lbs below his hurdle rating and should prove competitive. Connections of Tomeric will be hoping first-time cheek-pieces do the trick at their local track as last year's maiden hurdle winner competes in his first handicap chase. He has been beaten out of sight on his chase runs todate but has solid claims if reproducing his old hurdles form over today's suitable trip. Damut is a rising 13yo but showed some of his old spark when reverting to handicap chases from a lower rating recently and can get involved. Cluan Dara won a similar race at Gowran in November but has disappointed since which is a concern. JP McManus' retained rider Mark Walsh warms the bench for this one and the owner's Dawson's Gate is best watched despite running from a chase mark which is 7lbs lower than his hurdle rating. He was unsuccessfully gambled when running at 2m4f last March and today's 2m trip may prove too sharp. Point winner Arvicta wasn't beaten too far on handicap chase debut recently but might ideally prefer a longer trip.
An extended handicap steeplechase for four years old and upwards (109 = 11st 10lbs)Weights - Top weight in the original handicap and after the time of declaration shall not be less than 11st 10lbs and the minimum weight is 9st 12lbsPenalties - Winner of a steeplechase after calculation of the handicap shall carry 5lb extra for each steeplechase won.