1st - €6,000.00 2nd - €2,000.00 3rd - €1,000.00 4th - €500.00 5th - €300.00 6th - €200.00

FormscanBy Donal Murphy - The first race of the year and after winning five of the last six renewals, Willie Mullins should continue his domination with ARSLAN. Bought for E180,000 after finishing second in a Tralee point-to-point for Richard Black, the Wootton Bassett bay has performed with credit in two starts since. Third in a bumper at Fairyhouse, he finished in the same spot on his debut over flights at Thurles in November and was just three-quarters-of-a-length behind subsequent winner Zeus Power. Successful in bumpers at Clonmel and Bellewstown over the summer months, Stede Bonnet is the obvious danger. Second when last seen at Ayr in early December, it'll come as no surprise if he manages to go a place better now. Tipperary runner-up Only For Our Man and Flat recruits Ehteyat and Mr Rango look the most interesting of the remainder.

A hurdle for five years old and upwards, maidens at starting
Weights - 11st 12lbs. Mares allowed 7lbs.