2.35 2m. 5 Declared. Barberstown Castle S'chase (Grade 3) of €29,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €17,400.00 2nd - €5,800.00 3rd - €2,900.00 4th - €1,450.00 5th - €870.00
FormscanBy Gary Carson - This looks like a nice starting point for MARINE NATIONALE, in a race where he gets weight from his main rivals. The French Navy gelding looked to have the world at his feet when running out an easy winner of the Supreme Novices' in March 2023 but he has something to prove now having disappointed when last seen in the Irish Arkle last February. Hercule Du Seuil ran well at Punchestown when third in Grade 1 company and is top rated on 150. Giving 9lb to the selection could be tough though. Quilixios was only a neck behind Hercule Du Seuil when the pair were fourth and fifth at Aintree and gets 5lb here so is another leading contender.
A steeplechase for four years old and upwards that have not won a steeplechase before 30th April, 2023Weights - 4-y-o 10st 7lbs 5-y-o and up 11st 1lbs Mares allowed 7lbsPenalties - Penalties (handicaps excluded) - Winner of two steeplechases 4lb extra Of three steeplechases or a Grade 3 steeplechase 7lb extra Of two Grade 3 steeplechases or a Grade 2 steeplechase 9lb extra Of a Grade 1 steeplechase 13lb extra