5.35 2m. 188yds. 16 Declared. Bar One Racing 'Bellewstown' H'cap H'dle of €45,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €27,000.00 2nd - €9,000.00 3rd - €4,500.00 4th - €2,250.00 5th - €1,350.00 6th - €900.00
FormscanBy Mark Nunan - Formerly a smart bumper horse with Gordon Elliott, the well-bred DARK SPARK has been sweetened up by his current handler and comes into this on a roll. After a Flat win at Listowel, he had four of these rivals behind when winning at Kilbeggan and can defy a 7lb hike in his rating. The Tide Turns was highly tried after winning his maiden at Punchestown in January and was beaten less than three lengths in a Grade 2 at Fairyhouse last time. He returns from three months off and has the class to be involved in the finish. Anna Bunina wasn’t at her best when turned over at odds-on at Down Royal but won the Scottish Champion Hurdle and a Listed contest at Killarney earlier in the spring and has to enter calculations. Rich Belief, second on the Flat at Limerick last month, likes good ground and is another in the mix.
An extended handicap hurdle for four years old and upwards (140 = 11st 12lbs)Penalties - Winner of a hurdle race or hurdle races after calculation of the handicap shall carry any penalty or penalties which may be allotted by the Handicapper.