4.05 2m. 67yds. 13 Declared. Cloneen H'cap S'chase of €11,000.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €6,600.00 2nd - €2,200.00 3rd - €1,100.00 4th - €550.00 5th - €330.00 6th - €220.00
FormscanBy Mark Nunan - TRUMPS ACE has been out of form this term but a chance is taken with her on the basis of her course form. She won back-to-back handicap chases at this venue last season and might be able to bounce back having had a break since December. Western Boy has always shown plenty of ability on the Flat and over hurdles but hasn’t been tried too often over fences. His fifth to Chatham Street Lad on his most recent chase start would give him obvious claims in this company. The other McManus-owned runner, Buttons And Bows, could be on a nice mark for her first handicap chase and any further drying of the ground would help her. Twice a winner over hurdles for Joseph O’Brien, Ellipsism starts off for Michael Winters and is worth considering although he would ideally prefer a longer trip. Best of those towards the bottom of the handicap might be De Bennette, a course winner over hurdles and a good third at Naas when last seen over fences.
An extended handicap steeplechase for five years old and upwards (109 = 11st 10lbs) Weights - Top weight in the original handicap and after the time of declaration shall not be less than 11st 10lbs 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.