1.20 2m. 4f. 4 Declared. John Lynch Carpets Monksfield Novice Hdl (Grade 3) of €28,500.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €17,100.00 2nd - €5,700.00 3rd - €2,850.00 4th - €1,425.00 5th - €855.00
FormscanBy Gary Carson - This looks like a lovely stepping stone for Cheltenham bumper runner-up AMERICAN MIKE. He did what he needed to do on his hurdling debut at Down Royal earlier in the month, quickening away late on to beat Letsbeclearaboutit comfortably enough. He did make a couple of mistakes that day and hopefully that experience will have sharpened him up a bit as he faces tougher opposition now. The unbeaten Affordale Fury could be the danger after a good performance to open his hurdling account at Galway late last month. He beat Monbeg Park that day and the runner-up franked the form in good style at Punchestown last weekend. Three Card Brag, stablemate of the selection, ran well when third in another Grade 3 contest, the For Auction Novice Hurdle, here a fortnight ago and should appreciate going a bit further now. He should be involved at the business end again.
A novice hurdle for four years old and upwardsWeights - 4-y-o 10st 13lbs 5-y-o and up 11st Mares allowed 7lbsPenalties - Penalties (handicaps excluded) - Winner of two hurdle races 3lb extra Of three hurdle races or a Grade 3 hurdle race 6lb extra Of two Grade 3 hurdle races or a Grade 2 hurdle race 8lb extra Of a Grade 1 hurdle race 12lb extra