3.50 3m. 1f. 88yds. 4 Declared. Tote.ie Bobbyjo S'chase (Grade 3) of €28,500.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €17,100.00 2nd - €5,700.00 3rd - €2,850.00 4th - €1,425.00
FormscanBy Michael Graham - I AM MAXIMUS has been successful on his last two visits to Fairyhouse, including in the Irish Grand National last April, and is taken to come out on top in this fascinating contest. The form of his Grade 1 Drinmore success at this track in December has been very well franked by the runner-up. I Am Maximus has faced tough tasks behind the ante-post favourite for the Gold Cup in his last couple of starts at Leopardstown, but his undoubted stamina can come into play here. All roads lead back to Aintree for Vanillier who was a very creditable runner-up in last year's Grand National. He is rated 7lb inferior to I Am Maximus yet receives 12lb from him under the terms of this race, so is entitled to be on the premises. Minella Crooner actually pipped I Am Maximus by a short head in a beginners' chase here in December 2022. He wasn't beaten far into third in a Grade 3 at Tramore in January and is not to be underestimated despite being disadvantaged at the weights.
A steeplechase for five years old and upwardsWeights - 5-y-o 10st 8lbs 6-y-o and up 11st Mares allowed 7lbsPenalties - Penalties (handicaps excluded) - to count from 1st August, 2022 Winner of two steeplechases 3lb extra Of three steeplechases or a Grade 3 steeplechase 6lb extra Of two Grade 3 steeplechases or a Grade 2 steeplechase 8lb extra Of a Grade 1 steeplechase 12lb extra