2.50 3m. 1f. 18 Declared. Goffs Thyestes H'cap S'chase (Grade A) of €100,000.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €60,000.00 2nd - €20,000.00 3rd - €10,000.00 4th - €5,000.00 5th - €3,000.00 6th - €2,000.00
FormscanBy Gary Carson - Gordon Elliott saddles half the field here and PENCILFULLOFLEAD catches the eye with Rob James taking 7lb off his back. The Shantou gelding looked a very smart prospect as a novice a couple of seasons back, winning at Grade 2 level and being narrowly denied by Colreevy in the Grade 1 at Limerick. He's presumably had his issues since but shaped with promise in the Clonmel Oil on his return in November over an inadequate trip. Elliott earmarked him as one for the Thyestes in a stable tour earlier in the season and soft ground over a trip plays to his strengths. Elliott also saddles top-weight Escaria Ten who could make a bold bid despite his welter-burden. The French-bred gelding ran a nice race at Thurles on his return early last month and is another who will benefit for going up in trip now. Down towards the bottom of the weights the mare Darrens Hope is one that has to come into calculations. She was last seen winning a Grade 2 novice chase at Punchestown in November and is a tough hardy stayer. The handicapper left her untouched for that victory and she could be nicely treated.
An extended handicap steeplechase for five years old and upwards that have run at least three times in steeplechases up to and including 15th January 2023Penalties - Winner of a steeplechase or steeplechases after calculation of the handicap shall carry any penalty or penalties which may be allotted by the Handicapper.