2.50 2m. 1f. 10 Declared. Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beg. S'chase of €15,500.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €9,300.00 2nd - €3,100.00 3rd - €1,550.00 4th - €775.00 5th - €465.00 6th - €310.00
FormscanBy Gary Carson - Willie Mullins saddles two here and it looks significant that Paul Townend sides with SAINT SAM. The French-bred gelding had some really good form last season as a juvenile hurdler and makes his debut over fences now. He chased home Quilixios in Grade 1 company at the Dublin Racing festival last year as well as finishing second in the 'Fred Winter' at Cheltenham and could be a nice sort now over the larger obstacles. Stablemate El Barra ran a nice race, although no match for Blue Lord, when second on his chasing debut here last month. He is entitled to come forward from that but his hurdling form wouldn't be as strong as Saint Sam's. Thedevilscoachman also shaped with promise when third to Ferny Hollow on his first outing over fences at Punchestown last month and he could prove the bigger danger now.
A steeplechase for five years old and upwards that have not won a steeplechase that are EBF eligibleWeights - 5-y-o 11st 10lbs 6-y-o and up 12st Mares allowed 7lbs