1st - €12,000.00 2nd - €4,000.00 3rd - €2,000.00 4th - €1,000.00 5th - €600.00

FormscanBy Michael Graham - JON SNOW is taken to get the better of The Very Man. In theory there is very little between them as The Very Man is rated 5lb higher on a mark of 134 and has to give Jon Snow 6lb. There may be a bit more to come from Jon Snow, though, as he has only been seen five times. He is clearly well thought of as he has gone off favourite for four of those races. His sole victory came in an extended two and a quarter mile maiden hurdle at Leopardstown. The Very Man won't be easy to crack. His confidence has been boosted with victories in his last three races. He has been steadily climbing the rankings, culminating in a neck success at Roscommon. Belfast Banter has ability but hasn't put it all together since falling when clear in Cork. A runner-up berth in Bellewstown was more like it albeit he was beaten six lengths.

A novice hurdle for four years old and upwards
Weights - 4-y-o 10st 11lbs 5-y-o and up 11st 4lbs Mares allowed 7lbs
Penalties - Winner of a hurdle race 4lb extra Of two hurdle races 7lb extra Of three or more hurdle races 10lb extra