2.50 2m. 4f. 8 Declared. M.J. Carroll ARRO H'cap H'dle of €21,000.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €12,600.00 2nd - €4,200.00 3rd - €2,100.00 4th - €1,050.00 5th - €630.00 6th - €420.00
FormscanBy Tom Weekes - DRUMACOO might be able to win this on his first start since December. He was well held on his latest start in a Grade B handicap chase last Christmas but had previously shown up very well in useful handicap hurdles at Fairyhouse and Navan. Those races were very similar to today's race and he is likely to have been primed by a local trainer for this with trip and ground very much in his favour. Stablemate Humm Baby is herself a dual course winner who comes here in proven form. She is proven in this grade and while she should go very well, would ideally prefer a reasonably sound surface. Hewick showed improved form when upped to staying trips recently but might ideally prefer a sounder surface and also now competes from a career high mark. Faughernon showed just ordinary form in maiden hurdles but has progressed well in handicaps since and won a big-field and competitive Leopardstown handicap last Christmas. His latest run was in another useful handicap at that same track in March and while his lack of a recent outing is a minor concern, he also steps up to a trip over which he disappointed previously. Born By The Sea is in excellent form and while not ahead of the handicapper, should still run another solid race under his 7lbs claimer. Young Dev is well suited by testing ground and can get involved despite his 206 days absence. So Near So Farhh was a handicap winner latest but steps up in class while Grange Walk steps out of maiden company for the first time. %0A
An extended handicap hurdle for five years old and upwards (140 = 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 hurdle race after calculation of the handicap shall carry 5lb extra for each hurdle race won.