1st - €12,600.00 2nd - €4,200.00 3rd - €2,100.00 4th - €1,050.00 5th - €630.00 6th - €420.00 Overcast

FormscanBy Mark Nunan - MINELLA CROONER can gain his second win over fences. Touched off by a very experienced mare in a Grade Two on chase debut, he got off the mark in first-time headgear here in December before being a well-beaten third in a hot contest at Punchestown. Stepping up in trip will suit and, although he may be a hard horse to place in the future with a mark in the 140s already, this is a good opportunity. Agusta Gold meets the selection on handicap terms but is without a win in over two years and is struggling to recapture her form. Thus far, she is a rare case of a horse that hasn't improved for joining the champion trainer. Sixth in the Irish National last year, Velvet Elvis has been bitterly disappointing this term but has a chance of minor honours if showing any bit of spark. Cape Gentleman is heading for Aintree but is far from a natural over fences while 2020 Kim Muir winner Milan Native has had plenty of issues since then.%0A

A steeplechase for five years old and upwards which at entry are rated 135 or less (also open to horses which at entry are rated 136-150)
Weights - 5-y-o 10st 9lbs 6-y-o and up 10st 13lbs
Penalties - Performances before 2nd February - for every 1lb above the rating of 135 1lb extra On or after 2nd February - for each steeplechase race won 7lb extra