5.40 2m. 3f. 120yds. 8 Declared. Athlacca H'cap S'chase (DIV I) of €10,000.00 4-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 Michael Graham - Not a strong race. The decision to claim 7lb from CLUAN DARA could reap dividends. He has been looking a bit high in the weights since winning at Clonmel in March. Shane Fitzgerald's claim brings him close to the mark he scored off in that race. His trainer, John Ryan, has had a very good May with five winners at the time of writing. Ice Cool could do with plenty of rain but there is an unsettled forecast. He was beaten less than two lengths into third when last seen over fences at Clonmel in March, and a reproduction of that effort would have him on the premises. Johnnys Girl also needs rain. She has been mixing hurdling and chasing, and her form has been in and out. She did win a novice handicap chase at this track in December, though.
An extended handicap steeplechase for four years old and upwards rated 0-95 Weights - 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 12lbs Penalties - Winner of a steeplechase after calculation of the handicap shall carry 5lb extra for each steeplechase won.