1st - €18,000.00 2nd - €6,000.00 3rd - €3,000.00 4th - €1,500.00 5th - €900.00 6th - €600.00 Raining

FormscanBy Tom Weekes - RAGNAR LODBROK showed useful form in two bumper runs last December before winning well on hurdles debut at Galway last month and can make a winning start in graded company here. A strong type, he saw out the 2m3f trip at Galway very well and appears the type to possibly do better at this distance and beat today's rival Jimmy Jimmy (who is himself capable and has place claims) by 7.5L when giving him 7lbs in a bumper last December. Goodbye Someday is an interesting contender as he is already proven at this level having finished second in a Tipperary Grade 3 last month. He is rated 141 and while he could be vulnerable to smart types, now steps up to three miles for the first time and could well get the extra distance as he won his maiden hurdle at 2m5f last July. Formal Order has surprised in his progression over hurdles and won a Listed Hurdle at Limerick last month. The leader in that Limerick race as a final flight faller and Formal Order was close in behind at the time, faces a slightly tougher task here and also steps up to three miles for the first time. Young Ted won his maiden hurdle, at the seventh attempt, on his latest start in September and while he should go well, looks vulnerable to smarter types while Darrens Hope, already Grade 3 placed, has a tougher task than when winning at Ballinrobe last month. Proven stayer Flemings Dream is capable at a slightly lower level and will be chasing black-type.

A novice hurdle for four years old and upwards that are EBF eligible
Weights - 4-y-o 10st 11lbs 5-y-o and up 11st 2lbs Mares allowed 7lbs
Penalties - Penalties (handicaps excluded) - Winner of two hurdle races 4lb extra Of a Grade 3 hurdle race 7lb extra Of a Grade 2 or a Grade 1 hurdle race 10lb extra