1.40 2m. 157yds. 16 Declared. Matchbook 50:50 Grad. Series M'dn H'dle of €10,000.00 5-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 Donal Murphy - A E170,000 Tattersalls Derby Sale purchase, STRAIGHT JOHN should prove hard to beat. A solid sixth of 21 on debut at Leopardstown on St Stephen's Day, he improved on that performance to finish second on his latest start over the course and distance last month. Gordon Elliott-trains the selection and is also represented by Doctor Elvis. Bought for E260,000 at the Andy %26 Gemma Brown Dispersal Sale, he failed to make an impact on his return from a lengthy absence at Naas, but might step forward from that effort and show his true colours now. Beaten a length into second at Thurles before Christmas, Bulgaden Castle is sure to have plenty of supporters, while Market Ready is another leading hope.
A hurdle for five years old and upwards, maidens at startingWeights - 11st 12lbs. Mares allowed 7lbs.