4.55 2m. 2f. 51yds. 12 Declared. Knocknarea Opportunity Claiming H'dle of €10,500.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €6,300.00 2nd - €2,100.00 3rd - €1,050.00 4th - €525.00 5th - €315.00 6th - €210.00
FormscanBy John O'Riordan - BAL DE RIO has a bit to find with a couple of these strictly on ratings but the Denis Hogan trained veteran comes into the race right at the top of his game. A winner of two Claiming Hurdles in recent months, he showed that he was still capable of competing in handicap company when successful at Ballinrobe in April. Following a respectable fourth placing in even better company at Listowel last month, he is very much the horse to beat here. Britzka has the highest official mark in the contest but has two ways of running. If anywhere near his best, then the Gordon Elliott trained gelding will prove a tough opponent. My Manekineko probably has his best days behind him at the age of 14 but could be capable of reaching the frame if fit after than absence.
A hurdle for four years old and upwards to be claimed for #15,000 or less (Minimum claiming price #4,000)Weights - 4-y-o 11st 9lbs 5-y-o and up 12stRiders - Confined to Professional Riders under I.N.H.S. Rules who have not lost the right to claim the allowance under Rule 52 (iii). Allowances - (which are not cumulative, up to and including 9th June) Riders who have not ridden the winners of 25 *races allowed...........4lb Those who have not ridden the winners of 40 *races allowed..........2lb No allowance under Rule 52 (iii) may be claimed *Including races under any N.H. Rules or Rules of Racing Claiming prices must be stipulated at time of entry