1st - €60,000.00 2nd - €20,000.00 3rd - €10,000.00 4th - €5,000.00 5th - €3,000.00 6th - €2,000.00

FormscanBy Michael Graham - FINE MARGIN looks well handicapped on the back of his exploits in a premier handicap hurdle at Haydock in November. That run across the water was his first appearance since switching to Willie Mullins and he ran a cracker in second behind another Irish raider. Notably, the horse a length behind him in third came out and won a Grade 1 at Ascot before Christmas. Therefore, there should be scope in Fine Margin's mark of 127. Panda Boy hasn't been seen over flights since April 2022, however, he represents a shrewd trainer and has been clocking up plenty of creditable efforts in decent company over fences. Nine Graces is far from exposed over hurdles and was noted finishing well for third over a staying trip at this track last month. Ted Walsh's Gaoth Chuil has been in good nick over flights and grabbed a deserved victory here when beating Nine Graces in that aforementioned race. Starzov is one who could outrun his odds as he isn't on a bad mark at all.

An extended handicap hurdle for four years old and upwards rated 0-150 that have run at least three times in hurdle races up to and including 21st January 2024
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.