4.30 3m. 4f. 18 Declared. Punchestown Grand National Trial Hcp Sch (Grade B) of €80,000.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €48,000.00 2nd - €16,000.00 3rd - €8,000.00 4th - €4,000.00 5th - €2,400.00 6th - €1,600.00
FormscanBy Tom Weekes - Gigginstown's platoon of Dad's Army veterans, six of whom pulled up on their latest runs, are deployed here although in-form 9yo NICK LOST might win for the one-time superpower. NICK LOST was a useful novice chaser in 2018, when his rating peaked at 136, and while off the track for 668 days until last month, reappeared with a promising third placing at Thurles and competes from the same 130 rating today with progression likely. Lightly-raced 10yo Screaming Colours is a dual point-to-point and chase winner, having raced just 13 times in his career. He came from well off the pace when second here in January and while raised 2lbs for the run, today's rider claims 3lbs and he has a low weight. Midnight Maestro went two and a half years without winning prior to switching to Enda Bolger this season and managed a Leopardstown Christmas win last time. He mightn't appreciate really testing ground but should still run well from his 9lbs higher mark. Moyhenna is a capable type who is is good form but doesn't look ahead of the handicapper. While The Big Dog is interesting in his first handicap chase, given he seemed destined to make his mark in staying chases, with Jamie Codd a notable booking. Out Sam, under The Big Dog's usual rider, was in touch when falling here last month while Born By The Sea has been in good form having run well over hurdles at Limerick over Christmas and competes from a 5lbs lower fences mark on handicap chase debut. Se Mo Loach was second over hurdles latest and has claims as a proven stayer while Castle Oliver is long absent.
An extended handicap steeplechase for five years old and upwards that have run at least three times in steeplechases up to and including 31st January 2021Weights - Top weight in the original handicap and after the time of declaration shall not be less than 11st 10lbs and the minimum weight shall not be less than 9st 12lbsPenalties - Winner of a steeplechase or steeplechases after calculation of the handicap shall carry any penalty or penalties which may be allotted by the Handicapper.