5.25 2m. 1f. 60yds. 16 Declared. Tipperary Racecourse H'cap S'chase of €11,000.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €6,600.00 2nd - €2,200.00 3rd - €1,100.00 4th - €550.00 5th - €330.00 6th - €220.00
FormscanBy Tom Weekes - ESPION DU CHENET's recent Tramore run was eye-catching and might reverse form with three of today’s rivals and win. Tramore's run was notable in that his rider seemed to accept defeat in the dip, before finishing strongly and later reporting his mount 'made a noise'. A 2017 Auteuil winner who once contested a Grade 1, ESPION DU CHENET is capable at this level, is ground-versatile and could reverse form with Jack Holiday (winner at Tramore), Bolbec (third) and Broder (fourth). Jack Holiday is 8lbs higher than at Tramore and should run well while Broder and Balbec made their respective handicap chase debuts at Tramore and can progress. Arthus Fonzarelli, conqueror of Belfast Banter last August, contests his first handicap chase from a 9lbs lower chase rating and drops to a suitable trip and on favourable summer ground. Point-to-point winner Black Samurai has shown little on the racecourse but is interesting on handicap debut while Cluan Dara is capable at this grade.
An extended handicap steeplechase for five years old and upwards (109 = 11st 12lbs)Weights - Top weight in the original handicap and after the time of declaration shall not be less than 11st 12lbs and the minimum weight shall not be less than 9st 12lbsPenalties - Winner of a steeplechase after calculation of the handicap shall carry 5lb extra for each steeplechase won.