6.05 2m. 2f. 54yds. 7 Declared. Guinness Beginners S'chase of €12,500.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €7,500.00 2nd - €2,500.00 3rd - €1,250.00 4th - €625.00 5th - €375.00 6th - €250.00
FormscanBy Gary Carson - BIRCHDALE had a high level of form in England and looks good enough to claim this on his first start for Enda Bolger. The Jeremy gelding was a Grade 2 winner over hurdles for Nicky Henderson and was placed twice from four outings over fences. He was beaten favourite when last seen in a novice chase at Worcester in late May and a change of scenery may help now. Willie Mullins runs two in this and Paul Townend takes the mount on Grand Bornand. The French-bred showed a decent amount of ability over hurdles, winning a Leopardstown maiden hurdle before struggling a touch in better company. He makes his chase debut now and will be well schooled for the task. It's no surprise to see connections kick on over fences now with Gloire D'athon. He won his maiden hurdle in good style at Cork earlier this month and looks the type to do better over fences in time.
A steeplechase for four years old and upwards that have not won a steeplechaseWeights - 4-y-o 11st 2lbs 5-y-o and up 12st Mares allowed 7lbs