3.05 2m. 4f. 13 Declared. Cavan Developments Novice H'cap Schase of €11,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €6,600.00 2nd - €2,200.00 3rd - €1,100.00 4th - €550.00 5th - €330.00 6th - €220.00
FormscanBy Tom Weekes - Lightly-raced BIG DEBATES was second to high class Felix Desjy and Gold Cup winner Minella Indo in two point-to-points and is now making up for lost time. He has had training setbacks but won well at Limerick last month and can cope with a 9lbs hike. Gold Creek was fifth in the Limerick race and was a winner, rated 93, over hurdles at Thurles on Thursday. She would have solid claims if reappearing. Buttons And Bows, sixth at Limerick, also has a chance. Buttons And Bows was an unlucky final fence faller at Listowel and while well held at Limerick, lost her position gradually through the race and was staying on when hampered at the second last. King Alex was reported to be blowing hard post race at Fairyhouse in January and having had a long break since, returns again rated 14lbs lower over fences. Top weight Wa Wa was a good winner at Killarney and while he might ideally prefer a little further, is open to more progression. Bentham was an early casualty at Down Royal and has obvious form claims. Black Samurai is progressive and consistent and will be better suited to this trip than 2m1f at Tipperary while Balbec is consistent and in form.
An extended handicap steeplechase for four years old and upwards rated 0-116 that have not won a steeplechase before 1st February 2021, other than one hunters steeplechase within the previous two National Hunt seasonsWeights - Top weight in the original handicap and after the time of declaration shall not be less than 12st and the minimum weight shall not be less than 9st 12lbsPenalties - Winner of a steeplechase after calculation of the handicap shall carry 5lb extra for each steeplechase won.