7.45 3m. 19 Declared. Guinness 0.0% H'cap H'dle of €14,500.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €8,700.00 2nd - €2,900.00 3rd - €1,450.00 4th - €725.00 5th - €435.00 6th - €290.00
FormscanBy Mark Nunan - The handicapper did not take at all kindly to the gambled-on victory of BLACKSTAIR ROCCO at Down Royal last month and imposed a massive penalty for that wide margin success. The Shirocco gelding stuck to his task well when second over 2m4f at Tipperary last time and Mike O’Connor’s 7lb claim negates the further hike in the ratings he got for being well clear of the remainder on that ocasion. This step up in trip to three miles could bring about further improvement. It Could Be You has run well when placed on his last two outings and could also appreciate going further, while Quaker Island’s stamina is proven after a maiden win in Wexford. Captain Kangaroo, not disgraced in the County Hurdle, has been frustrating overall but is not one to discount trying a longer distance and his stablemate Manitopark AA, a winner over 2m 3f in May, could be on a workable mark in her first handicap. Mindsmadeup, a winner over fences at last year’s festival, stays this trip really well and comes here with a couple of runs under his belt after a winter break.
An extended handicap hurdle for four years old and upwards (123 = 11st 10lbs)Weights - Top weight in the original handicap and after the time of declaration shall not be less than 11st 10lbs and the minimum weight shall not be less than 9st 12lbsPenalties - Winner of a hurdle race after calculation of the handicap shall carry 5lb extra for each hurdle race won.