1st - €6,600.00 2nd - €2,200.00 3rd - €1,100.00 4th - €550.00 5th - €330.00 6th - €220.00

FormscanBy Donal Murphy - EXCELCIUS might be able to defy top-weight. He made the breakthrough over flights at Killarney in July and since ran well to finish fifth in a Grade B contest at the Co Kerry venue. He was again successful when tried on the level on his penultimate start at Clonmel, finishing down the field at the Curragh when slow into stride on his most recent outing. Back over flights now and in a race that lacks depth, he should be able to make his presence felt. The Jessica Harrington trained Donthavetime is given second preference. She got off the mark at Sligo and was then beaten by just half-a-length in a twenty-runner affair at Galway. Outclassed in a Listed contest at Gowran last week, she is back in calmer waters now and a bold bid looks likely. Peckham Springs is an interesting contender for Paul Stafford. A winner over the course and distance in December, the chestnut four-year-old makes his debut in handicap company now. Ashqar (first time visor) was just half-a-length behind the selection when they met on the level at Clonmel last month and he has definite claims, while others for the shortlist are Cottie, Uncle Henry and Feel Des Mottes. Shumaker has been out of form this year but he is a dual course and distance winner and claimed this race in 2019.

An extended handicap hurdle for four years old and upwards rated 80-116
Weights - Top weight in the original handicap and after the time of declaration shall not be less than 12st and the minimum weight shall not be less than 9st 12lbs
Penalties - Winner of a hurdle race after calculation of the handicap shall carry 5lb extra for each hurdle race won.