3.40 3m. 9 Declared. William Hill Ten Up Novice S'chase (Grade 2) of €36,500.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €21,900.00 2nd - €7,300.00 3rd - €3,650.00 4th - €1,825.00 5th - €1,095.00 6th - €730.00
FormscanBy Donal Murphy - MAHLER MISSION impressed over the course and distance last month and might be able to follow-up now. Successful at this level over flights, the John McConnell-trained seven-year-old is a leading contender for the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival next month. He finished behind Must Be Obeyed when they clashed at Punchestown on New Year's Eve and that Tom Gibney trained mare re-opposes now. The progressive Mustameet bay is given second preference, getting weight all round as she bids to complete a hat-trick. Churchstonewarrior has filled the runner-up spot five times since his last success and while he is sure to prove popular with punters, he may have to settle for minor honours once again. Frontal Assault has tonnes of experience over fences and should give a good account of himself, while Darrens Hope and Glengouly are others that warrant respect. The former disappointed in the Thyestes after being kept wide throughout, a tactic that mightn't have suited the Oscar mare.
A novice steeplechase for five years old and upwardsWeights - 5-y-o 10st 11lbs 6-y-o and up 11st 3lbs Mares allowed 7lbsPenalties - Penalties (handicaps excluded) - Winner of three steeplechases or a Grade 3 steeplechase 3lb extra Of two Grade 3 steeplechases or a Grade 2 steeplechase 5lb extra Of a Grade 1 steeplechase 9lb extra