3.00 3m. 9 Declared. Wilkinstown Beginners S'chase of €12,500.00 5-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 Alan Magee - THE BIG DOG won a maiden hurdle on Thyestes Chase day at Gowran Park two years ago and was off the course for 18 months before sent over fences this winter. The Mahler gelding has the physique and pedigree to thrive as a staying chaser and shaped with definite promise last time when keeping on well behind Longhouse Poet at Punchestown. Lord Royal was a decent staying novice over hurdles winning a Clonmel maiden in runaway fashion and finishing second in a Grade 3 at Punchestown. Willie Mullins sent the French import chasing this term holding every chance when falling two out at Thurles before dropping away tamely in the straight when again odds-on at Naas. Defi Bleu has been very lightly-raced since third in the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in 2019, and should appreciate the step up in trip after two chase starts this season. Any market move for the former Harry Whittington-trained Jammy George would be interesting.
A steeplechase for five years old and upwards that have not won a steeplechaseWeights - 5-y-o 11st 6lbs 6-y-o and up 12st Mares allowed 7lbs