3.40 2m. 100yds. 14 Declared. Howden Insurance Brokers (M) Novice Hdle of €30,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €18,000.00 2nd - €6,000.00 3rd - €3,000.00 4th - €1,500.00 5th - €900.00 6th - €600.00
FormscanBy John O'Riordan - THE MODEL KINGDOM disappointed when down the field at Cheltenham last time but should be much better suited to these conditions. A Grade 3 bumper winner at the festival last season, the Noel Meade trained mare is at her best on tight flat tracks. She finished in front of Shecouldbeanything when the pair clashed in a Grade 2 Hurdle at Naas in January and looks capable of upholding that form here. The latter mare, trained by Gordon Elliott, was an honourable sixth at Cheltenham on her most recent start, so should appreciate the less demanding task she now encounters. With only four career runs over flights, the six-year-old has more scope than the majority of this field. Willie Mullins has a strong hand with Saylavee appearing the best of his three representatives.
A novice hurdle for four years old and upwards mares only that have not won a Grade 1, Grade 2 or Grade 3 weight-for-age hurdle raceWeights - 4-y-o 10st 6lbs 5-y-o and up 11stPenalties - Winner of a hurdle race 4lb extra Of two hurdle races or a hurdle race value #12,500 7lb extra