1st - €8,280.00 2nd - €2,040.00 3rd - €960.00 4th - €600.00 Overcast and cold

Formscan By Eamonn Murphy - He began life winning a point-to-point for Martin Cullinane and with a run over racecourse fences now under his belt, IPSOS DU BERLAIS gets the nod. A more than useful novice hurdler, the grey finished two and a quarter lengths off Lyreen Legend at Galway at the end of October, and if he comes on even a little from that, Davy Russell's mount looks sure to make a bold bid. Willie Mullins said of Marasonnien lately: "Finally came good in testing conditions at Punchestown when landing the Grade 1 three mile novice hurdle. He's all set to go over fences and I'm hopeful he'll develop into a really nice staying chaser." It'll be noteworthy to see how he goes in the market now on his seasonal bow and he's undoubtedly a big danger to all. Toon River can challenge for a place in the frame but it would be a surprise if he were able to manage better than that. As a big fan of The Westener Boy, I was disappointed with his Naas effort last time. Maybe he wants this trip but personally it'll be a case of watching with an eye to the future for the minute.

A steeplechase for five yrs old and upwards that have not won a steeplechase
Weights - 5-y-o 11st 11lb; 6-y-o and up 11st 12lb; Mares allowed 7lb;