4.37 2m. 4f. 14 Declared. Behans Horseshoe Bar&Restaurant Hcap Hdl of €16,500.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €9,900.00 2nd - €3,300.00 3rd - €1,650.00 4th - €825.00 5th - €495.00 6th - €330.00
FormscanBy Donal Murphy - GREAT UNIVERSE looks nicely treated off an initial mark of 114. The eight-year-old has some strong form to his name and was just three quarters of a length behind subsequent Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner Slade Steel in a bumper at the Punchestown festival of last year. Third on his first two efforts over flights, the Martin Brassil-trained bay starts off in handicap company now and it'll be interesting to see how he fares. Looking to exploit a lower mark over hurdles, Killarney victor Dutch Schultz is the pick of the three Gavin Cromwell-trained representatives, while fellow recent winners Big Stage, Pray Tell and Win Some Lose Some all look to have strong claims. After a controversial defeat last month, it'll come as no surprise if Ballywilliam Boy gains compensation, with course and distance winner Millstream Lady another for the shortlist in this fiercely competitive affair.
An extended handicap hurdle for four years old and upwards rated 80-123Penalties - Winner of a hurdle race after calculation of the handicap shall carry 7lb extra for each hurdle race won.