1st - €21,000.00 2nd - €7,000.00 3rd - €3,500.00 4th - €1,750.00 5th - €1,050.00

FormscanBy Gary Carson - Stepping up in trip and the application of blinkers made all the difference to COKO BEACH at Gowran last month when he ran out a cosy winner of the Thyestes. The handicapper reacted by sticking him up 12lb for that success, leaving him on a mark of 150. That makes him the one to beat now in this three-miler and it looks a good opportunity for him to gain a Grade 2 win. Obviously he has to turn around form with Espanito Bello, having chased home that rival at Naas back in December. The absence of the fences in the straight then probably didn't help Coko Beach and he hadn't the same gears on the level as Espanito Bello over two-miles-three. It could be a different story over three miles now as his rival is unproven at this distance. Mr Hendricks is a course and distance winner and his form looks solid. The Big Dog, who was third to him here, has gone on to win the national trial at Punchestown. Jessica Harrington's charge probably still has a few pounds to find with the aforementioned pair though.

A novice steeplechase for five years old and upwards
Weights - 5-y-o 10st 12lbs 6-y-o and up 11st 5lbs Mares allowed 7lbs
Penalties - Penalties (handicaps excluded) - Winner of three steeplechases or a Grade 3 steeplechase 3lb extra Of two Grade 3 steeplechases or a Grade 2 steeplechase 5lb extra Of a Grade 1 steeplechase 7lb extra