Verdict

The Sneezer has won this for the past two years, making all and coming home 20 lengths clear a year ago. He's struggled at the weights subsequently but a hat-trick shouldn't be ruled out. Beneficial Spirit won a handicap at Naas in January and his two subsequent runs have been over timber. He can go well with his light weight but BARNEYS HONOUR will take some beating. Gordon Elliott's charge struck form over hurdles in January and reverted to fences on a lowly mark, making no mistake with an easy victory at Navan a week ago. He still looks well treated and a quick double looks on the cards. Competitive Edge was a long way behind Beneficial Spirit at Naas but was well supported on his next start at Leopardstown and duly obliged though a 7lb rise may prevent a follow-up.

Formwatch

He'llberemembered (IRE) 10-1 (10-13) Settled in mid-division, slightly hampered 9th, 6th 4 out, good headway after 2 out and led early straight, ridden and kept on run-in, held on well, won at Leopardstown 2m 5f hcp chs sft beating Pineau De Re (10-10) by 3/4l, 20 ran.

Harpsy Cord (IRE) 10-3 (11-10) Chased leaders, 4th 4 out, soon ridden and no extra, pulled up before last (poor visibility), in a race won by Rich Revival (10-13) at Navan 2m 4f hcp chs 0-140 hvy in Jan, 11 ran.

The Sneezer (IRE) 33-1 (11-3) Led, headed after 5 out, soon no extra, pulled up before 2 out (poor visibility), in a race won by Rich Revival (10-13) at Navan 2m 4f hcp chs 0-140 hvy in Jan, 11 ran.

Glam Gerry (IRE) 9-1 (10-0) Mid-division, mistake 1st, ridden in 10th 2 out, 7th when left 6th at last, kept on without threatening, 5th of 18, 10l behind Farrells Fancy (9-6) at Leopardstown 2m 5f hcp chs hvy in Jan.

Orpheus Valley (IRE) 16-1 (10-13) Led, occasionally jumped right, strongly pressed after 2 out and headed early straight, dropped to 4th last and no extra, 6th of 20, 12l behind He'llberemembered (10-13) at Leopardstown 2m 5f hcp chs sft.

Beeverstown (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Held up, 6th halfway, in touch when fell 5 out, in a race won by Viaduct Joey (11-0) at Clonmel 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-123 in Feb, 9 ran.

Competitive Edge (IRE) 10-3fav (11-5) Mid-division, headway into 5th last, ridden to challenge 1f out, pressed leader inside final furlong and led last strides, won at Leopardstown 2m 1f hcp chs 0-123 hvy in Jan beating Quartetto (10-8) by hd, 14 ran.

On The Way Out (IRE) 20-1 (9-10) Mid-division, ridden from 3 out, 7th next, no extra, 8th of 18, 17l behind Farrells Fancy (9-6) at Leopardstown 2m 5f hcp chs hvy in Jan.

Peak Raider (IRE) 25-1 (9-9) Mid-division, weakened from 3 out, 23rd of 28, well behind Abbey Lane (10-8) at Leopardstown 2m hcp hdl 0-145 hvy in Jan.

Pass The Hat 40-1 (11-12) Held up towards rear, 7th 3 out, ridden and no impression 2 out, 7th of 12, 24l behind Lord Windermere (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m 3f beg chs sft in Dec.

Barneys Honour (IRE) Evensfav (10-12) Tracked leaders, left 3rd 5 out, improved into 2nd travelling well 3 out, led next, stayed on well from last, easily, won at Navan 2m 1f hcp chs 0-116 sft beating Hidden Present (10-10) by 10l, 9 ran.

Rubert (IRE) 8-1 (11-1) Prominent, led from 3rd, mistake and headed 4 out, disputed lead again next, ridden and headed from 2 out, weakened, 8th of 13, 22l behind Beneficial Spirit (10-3) at Naas 2m hcp chs 0-130 in Jan.

Galloping Gander (IRE) 7-1 (11-6) Rear of mid-division for most, weakened before 2 out, 13th of 14, well behind Competitive Edge (11-5) at Leopardstown 2m 1f hcp chs 0-123 hvy in Jan.

Beneficial Spirit (IRE) 9-4fav (9-6) Took keen hold tracking leaders on outer early, close 2nd 2 out, soon ridden and no impression, weakened run-in, 8th of 10, 13l behind Mallowney (11-1) at Naas 2m hcp hdl in Feb.