1st - €14,625.00 2nd - €4,500.00 3rd - €2,250.00 4th - €900.00 Overcast

FormscanBy Tom Weekes - LE VENT D'ANTAN is ideally suited by race conditions and while the race looks a little open, he now has plenty going for him. He took a while to come to hand this season but any progression from a solid runner-up effort at Grade 2 level recently would see him feature at the business end. Cheltenian, a former stablemate of the selection and also a Cheltenham Bumper winner, has himself been held back by injuries but is officially top rated. He disappointed at Cheltenham but bounced back to form at Aintree subsequently and while still a novice, is now an eight year old. He has the appearance of a solid handicap hurdler at this stage of his career and should be involved. Sizing Granite is almost well named given how bulky he is and chasing is clearly where his future lies. He should be capable of building on his maiden win at Clonmel but might be vulnerable to a quicker hurdler here. More was clearly expected of Val De Ferbet when he disappointed on his Irish debut on heavy ground last month. He is surely capable of far better and while he is likely be a far different proposition on better ground, does appear a little risky. Wounded Warrior's yard has bounced back to form in recent times and can build on an encouraging staying handicap run recently. Beluckyagain looks Willie Mullins' second string but is rated to have her chance and was second at Grade 1 level latest. Medieval Chapel is still a maiden and while he represents top connections, has plenty to prove. Carraig Mor looks capable of much more than he showed on his latest two runs but has questions to answer after those long odds-on defeat while Flaming Dawn needs to return to form following a recent pulled up effort.

A hurdle race for four yrs old and upwards which have not won more than one hurdle race
Weights - 4-y-o 10st 9lb;5-y-o and up 11st 6lb; Mares allowed 7lb
Penalties - Winner of a hurdle race 6lb extra