1.20 2m. 5f. 61yds. 8 Declared. Ladbrokes Novice S'chase (Grade 1) of €150,000.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €90,000.00 2nd - €30,000.00 3rd - €15,000.00 4th - €7,500.00 5th - €4,500.00 6th - €3,000.00
FormscanBy Mark Nunan - There is plenty of depth to this contest but GALOPIN DES CHAMPS was hugely impressive over course and distance at Christmas and gets the vote to follow up. Last year’s Martin Pipe winner, who stepped up in class to win at Punchestown later in the spring, displayed a very accomplished jumping technique when routing his rivals on that first start over fences and looks poised to take high rank amongst this season’s novice chasers. The selection’s stablemate Capodanno, who did well to overcome a bad mistake when winning at Naas and was a creditable second to Bob Olinger last time, could be his biggest danger. Beacon Edge, who can confirm Fairyhouse form with subsequent 3m winner Fury Road, may fare best of the trio who have already won at this level over fences as Limerick winner Master McShee would prefer more of an ease in the ground.
A novice steeplechase for five years old and upwardsWeights - 5-y-o 11st 6lbs 6-y-o and up 11st 10lbs Mares allowed 7lbs