1.50 2m. 7f. 165yds. 11 Declared. Fairyhouse Easter Early Bird H'cap H'dle of €17,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €10,200.00 2nd - €3,400.00 3rd - €1,700.00 4th - €850.00 5th - €510.00 6th - €340.00
FormscanBy Tom Weekes - GLENQUIN CASTLE bids for a remarkable eight-timer. He has benefitted from stepping up in trip in recent times but an idling tendency has also contributed to his hot streak, winning races by small margins and when produced late. He is still rated 117 over hurdles and fences, and further wins in both codes are likely. Ardhill is a danger having won well when well backed in first-time blinkers at Ascot in December. That was a much improved effort from a UK rating of 104 and the handicapper has given him a chance with a revised Irish 111 mark. Alohamora won a useful Fairyhouse handicap chase in November (That's Lifebuoy was held in third) and while she is a better chaser, previously ran well over hurdles at Cheltenham in November. Irish Grand National winner Freewheelin Dylan is rated 33lb lower over hurdles but is clearly much better over fences and while he has some place claims, has bigger chase targets in the coming months. Stablemate Mr Josiey Wales stays well and has claims dropping in grade on handicap hurdle debut in first-time cheek-pieces.
An extended handicap hurdle for four years old and upwards (130 = 11st 12lbs)Weights - Top weight in the original handicap and after the time of declaration shall not be less than 11st 12lbs and the minimum weight shall not be less than 9st 12lbsPenalties - Winner of a hurdle race after calculation of the handicap shall carry 5lb extra for each hurdle race won.