1st - €7,590.00 2nd - €1,870.00 3rd - €880.00 4th - €550.00 Raining

Formscan By Gary Carson - It was disappointing that NED BUNTLINE didn't get off the mark over hurdles first time given the esteem with which he is held by connections but he can right that wrong now. Noel Meade declared that the Refuse To Bend gelding was the best he had had for a while after his bumper success and it wasn't surprising he was so short for his jumping debut. The trainer felt afterwards that a lack of schooling coupled with the 2m2f trip may have counted against him at Fairyhouse and he will surely be hoping that he can show his true colours now. He faces a couple of decent rivals. Dermot Weld generally does well with the horses he sends over jumps and Notable Graduate has to be a big contender here. The Galileo gelding only failed by a short-head to land a Listed race last season and while he maybe didn't show the same form this term he still ran to a decent level and is useful addition to this game. Urano ran a cracker on his Irish debut when pushing a smart sort in Ally Cascade close at Thurles and he has to be bang in the mix on that run. The French import was unbeaten in three Flat starts in his homeland and obviously has plenty of ability. Another interesting runner here to take note of, maybe with the future in mind, is point-to-point recruit Grey Monk, who was impressive on his sole start at Largy back in the spring.

A hurdle race for four yrs old only, maidens at starting
Weights - 11st 7lb; Fillies allowed 7lb;