3.00 2m. 7f. 80yds. 11 Declared. Pertemps H'cap H'dle (Qualifier) of €30,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €18,000.00 2nd - €6,000.00 3rd - €3,000.00 4th - €1,500.00 5th - €900.00 6th - €600.00
FormscanBy Mark Nunan - Off bottom weight WEST IS AWAKE makes some appeal for Eddie Cawley who was amongst the winners here on Tuesday. The Fame And Glory gelding was an easy winner over 3m at Fairyhouse in October and had Nine Graces a place behind when running on well for second over 2m4f at the same venue last time. He's sure to be suited by going back up in distance. Lucky Zebo has won four of his last five starts, including three handicap hurdles. Last seen when winning over 2m4f at Gowran in September, he's gone up another 12lb for that but it will be interesting to see if going 3m can unlock more improvement. Gaoth Chuil was a fine second in the Brown Lad at Naas and this course winner is another stepping up in trip from 2m4f. Last year's winner Maxxum has a much stiffer task at the weights this time and Gordon Elliott's best chance may be with Absolute Notions who was runner-up in a Grade 1 novice here last term.
An extended handicap hurdle for four years old and upwards (145 = 11st 12lbs)Penalties - Winner of a hurdle race or hurdle races after calculation of the handicap shall carry any penalty or penalties which may be allotted by the Handicapper.