1st - €8,625.00 2nd - €2,125.00 3rd - €1,000.00 4th - €625.00 Fine

Formscan By Eamonn Murphy - GENTLEMAN DUKE, for the sponsor, seems the obvious way to go. Experience should prove crucial for the son of Bachelor Duke, now with five hurdling runs to his name. It is no harm to see Gareth Malone booked for the ride either. He endeared himself to favourite backers at Clonmel in September, when keeping the partnership intact at the last, after Drumlister made a potentially disastrous blunder. Despite being a beaten favourite in an ordinary affair last time, Gentleman Duke really should be getting off the mark now. He is assessed a 116-horse and in fairness the Cork third placing from three weeks back was coming after a break. Progression on Sammy Black's Galway debut effort would see him challenging for a place in the frame in this. Colley Row's Listowel bumper placing would entitle him to consideration too whilst the newcomers Brave Soldier (a half-brother to Ponmeoath) and Foolish Notions could be okay in time.

A hurdle race for four and five yrs old only, maidens at starting
Weights - 4-y-o 11st 9lb; 5-y-o 11st 12lb; Mares allowed 7lb
Riders - Confined to Professional under I.N.H.S. Rules who have not lost the right to claim the allowance under Rule 52 (iii). Allowances (which are not cumulative, up to and including 7th November) who have not ridden the winners of 25 *races allowed 4lb Those who have not ridden the winners of 40 *races allowed 2lb No allowance to riders under Rule 52 (iii) may be claimed.