1st - €11,700.00 2nd - €3,900.00 3rd - €1,950.00 4th - €975.00 5th - €585.00 6th - €390.00

FormscanBy Gary Carson - Connections seem to have CAPTAIN GUINNESS' heart issue under control and he was good when winning at Punchestown last month. The Arakan gelding showed a high level of ability over timber as a novice. He was Grade 2 placed and was also in with a shout when brought down two from home in the Supreme Novices' at Cheltenham. He looks to have the potential to be a top class performer over fences this term if staying healthy. Energumene was impressive on his chase debut at Gowran in November and is still in the 'could be anything' category so has to rate as a big danger. This is a significant step up now though and he will be tested more. His stable-mate Blackbow is another to consider. He comes here after an early fall in Grade 1 company at Leopardstown over Christmas. The Stowaway gelding had been good on his chase debut at Navan previously and has a big engine when things go right.

A novice steeplechase for five years old and upwards that are EBF eligible and have not won more than two steeplechases
Weights - 5-y-o 10st 12lbs 6-y-o and up 11st 4lbs Mares allowed 7lbs
Penalties - Winner of a steeplechase 6lb extra Of two steeplechases or one value #12,500 10lb extra