6.50 3m. 120yds. 5 Declared. Hugh McMahon Novice S'chase (Grade 3) of €28,500.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €17,100.00 2nd - €5,700.00 3rd - €2,850.00 4th - €1,425.00 5th - €855.00 6th - €570.00
FormscanBy Gary Carson - This looks like a nice opportunity for FAVORI DE CHAMPDOU. He was a faller in the Irish National on his last start when looking well beaten and this small field event could be a nice confidence booster. The Saddler Maker gelding was a Grade 2 winner at Punchestown back in November and has kept good company since. At the weights Joyeux Machin is the obvious danger. He's another Saddler Maker gelding and was pulled up over hurdles when last seen at the Dublin Racing Festival. He had been no match for Lucid Dreams in a rated novice chase before that but had been in good form around Wexford prior to that and is a capable sort at his best. John Ryan runs two and Gaelic Arc looks one to watch on his return from a lengthy absence.
A novice steeplechase for five years old and upwardsWeights - 5-y-o 10st 12lbs 6-y-o and up 11st Mares allowed 7lbsPenalties - Penalties (handicaps excluded) - Winner of two steeplechases 3lb extra Of three steeplechases or a Grade 3 steeplechase 6lb extra Of two Grade 3 steeplechases or a Grade 2 steeplechase 8lb extra Of a Grade 1 steeplechase 12lb extra