Trainer – Gordon Elliott
Jockey – Keith Donoghue
This 8-year-old has plenty of experience on the 2m4f mark and has never really been priced out of contention. A good to heavy ground, would be preferable as disappointed when favourite at Gowran Park in October (soft), so needs to improve this time out to make an impact in this well experienced group of grade 2 horses.
Trainer – Willie P. Mullins
Jockey – Jody McGarvey
Came back from nearly a year break in March to win at Navan, but goes up in the distance for the first time in career. Came first in the last five races in varying ground and the rest since the last race could be what’s needed to make up the longer distance. But can’t be disregarded on that purely on the finishing power and the impressive stable this year.
Trainer – Gordon Elliott
Jockey – Mark Enright
Hasn’t proved the form of old since stepping up in Grade in March, but second at Navan later that month proves there’s something with M Enright aboard for the first time. Could be priced out of this one and the 10 year old needs keep over the hurdles unlike Fairyhouse earlier this year.
Trainer – William Burke
Jockey – Robbie Power
Last ran in April when PU in Punchestown, but is proven on this C&D and has gone further in impressive races across Ireland to meet in this Grade 2 for the first time.
Trainer – A J Martin
Jockey – Barry Geraghty
This Gelding comes down a grade and distance to make up the places and is a strong contender to finish well in the final push with the last race being the coveted Grand National. An impressive 4th at Aintree means nearly a 2m reduction could suit this 8 year old being the highest rated out of these 8 horses.
Trainer – Peter A Fahy
Jockey – Paul Townend
Based on form looks to be held up in mid-division in this race but has the pace to hold on and track throughout and finish strongly if the performance at Thurles in March is anything to go by. This Irish horse can be one to look out for as well given the intriguing pedigree this Gelding brings to a distance not raced yet.
Trainer – Henry de Bromhead
Jockey – Bryan J Cooper
This well experienced 11 year old hasn’t found the form it should struggling to place and finish recently but coming back into the season and down a grade could see Special Tiara lead from the front throughout and is an expert in 2m, but the extra furlongs could suit for a stronger finish if returning to old forms.
Trainer – Henry de Bromhead
Jockey – J Slevin
The second of the Irish Bromhead horses and based on the handicap races this year comes into this race off of just 4 wins since 2014. Should be among the leaders throughout but needs to find more to finish among the leaders if to be in contention for places this time out.
