2.45 2m. 3f. 140yds. 6 Declared. Bluegrass Horse Feeds Rated Novice S'ch of €14,500.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €8,700.00 2nd - €2,900.00 3rd - €1,450.00 4th - €725.00 5th - €435.00 6th - €290.00
FormscanBy Michael Graham - A tricky race where drying ground will suit HESAMANOFHISWORD. He put in a solid shift for second place at Leopardstown earlier in the month after being off since October. Davy Fitzgerald has his horses in good nick with two winners from his last four runners. King Alex could bounce back from being pulled up over fences at Fairyhouse in January when found to be blowing hard post-race. Prior to that, he had been in rude health over hurdles with three victories and a runner-up berth. Barry Connell has often said that he is going to be a chaser. Southerner would prefer deeper ground but did win by six lengths on chasing debut at Clonmel, so is one to keep on the right side of. The Echo Boy had a tough assignment in Navan but, on his penultimate start, was an easy winner in Fairyhouse. He merits consideration but again would like the ground softer.
A novice steeplechase for five years old and upwards which at entry are rated 114 or less (also open to horses which at entry are rated 115-125)Weights - 5-y-o 10st 11lbs 6-y-o and up 11st 1lbsPenalties - Performances in steeplechases before 11th March - for every 1lb above the rating of 114 1lb extra On or after 11th March - for each steeplechase race won 5lb extra