1st - €5,175.00 2nd - €1,275.00 3rd - €600.00 4th - €375.00 Overcast and cold

Formscan By Donal Murphy - MAD BRIAN was just beaten by Morning Assembly on his first start over hurdles at Naas last month and the Gillian Callaghan trained gelding can go one place better here. He will carry just 10-11 with Fergal Harford taking a valuable seven pounds off. The son of Brian Boru finished a close second to Eight Chimes in a bumper over the course last month and he will take plenty of beating here. Defy Logic impressively won his bumper over the course in November and he is sure to be well fancied to follow up on his first start over hurdles. He will however carry over a stone more than the selection and that weight difference could be a decisive factor in the outcome of this contest. The Henry De Bromhead trained newcomer Juan De Gracia is an interesting runner. He was purchased by Ann %26 Alan Potts for €80,000 at the Tattersalls Ireland Derby National Hunt Sale last June and he is out of a half-sister to the classy Native Estates. The son of Milan is sure to give a good account of himself with Andrew Lynch aboard while the Willie Mullins trained Raise Hell deserves consideration despite disappointing last time out.

A hurdle race for six yrs old and upwards, maidens at starting
Weights - 11st 12lb; Mares allowed 7lb
Allowances - Horses that have not won a *race allowed 8lb