4.20 2m. 1f. 9 Declared. Irish Stallion Farms EBF Rated Nov' S'ch of €18,500.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €11,100.00 2nd - €3,700.00 3rd - €1,850.00 4th - €925.00 5th - €555.00 6th - €370.00
FormscanBy Mark Nunan - STEER CLEAR is just 1lb wrong at the weights here and, as he showed when winning at Thurles in the autumn, first time after a lay-off might be the time to catch him. Successful in handicap company on yielding ground then, he unseated rider early on at the same venue the following month but can put his handicap experience to good use here after a four month break. In terms of hurdles form, Magnium stands out (beaten less than 6 lengths in a Grade 1 novice event) but his fourth at Galway on chase debut was no more than respectable and it’s hard to be sure what level of ability he retains. Stansfield had Dis Donc back in fourth when winning at Down Royal but he may prefer a longer trip on the likely goodish ground. Likewise, Hesamanofhisword, whose trainer has been back amongst the winners of late, might want further but he did show promise over fences in the autumn and the ground will not be an issue.
A novice steeplechase for five years old and upwards that are EBF eligible which at entry are rated 114 or less (also open to horses which at entry are rated 115-125)Weights - 5-y-o 10st 13lbs 6-y-o and up 11st 3lbsPenalties - Performances in steeplechases before 2nd March - for every 1lb above the rating of 114 1lb extra On or after 2nd March - for each steeplechase won 5lb extra