4.22 2m. 3f. 55yds. 13 Declared. WKD H'cap Schase of €10,000.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €6,000.00 2nd - €2,000.00 3rd - €1,000.00 4th - €500.00 5th - €300.00 6th - €200.00
FormscanBy Tom Weekes - Four-year-old point-to-point winner ROUTINE EXCELLENCE might win this on handicap debut for his Stayers Hurdle winning trainer. ROUTINE EXCELLENCE showed plenty promise in winning his Tinahely point last October and while beaten out of sight in a Bumper (when well supported) and three subsequent maiden chases, he contests his first handicap today rated just 90 and will be better suited to drying ground, given his point win was on yielding ground. West Is Best brings proven form here and is 6lbs higher than when winning at Clonmel recently. He is an able type at this grade and should run well. Fox Le Bel has hinted that he is well handicapped and while he was reported 'clinically abnormal' when pulled up at Thurles in December, was third at Fairyhouse subsequently and drops in grade for today's race. Crack On Corrie, who received her handicap mark on one beginners chase run, is another able type at this grade while Rubiana is similarly useful and is a previous course winner. Midland Millie was well held on her latest two runs but had previously shown good form in October/November.
An extended handicap steeplechase for five years old and upwards rated 0-102Weights - 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 12lbsPenalties - Winner of a steeplechase after calculation of the handicap shall carry 5lb extra for each steeplechase won.