Verdict

MISTER BENEDICTINE was hugely impressive when scoring here last time but the handicapper has reacted by putting him up a total of 21lb for his two latest successes. There is a concern that he's yet to oblige on soft ground but such was the style of that latest victory that he receives the vote again. Imperial Shabra is useful over hurdles and fences but it's no surprise to see connections turn to timber as he's rated 15lb lower over the smaller obstacles. He'll go well but the main threat to the selection may be Battling Boru, who benefited from a cool Danny Mullins ride when scoring at Sligo last time and looks on the upgrade. Boland's Corner is respected but has it to do at the weights.

Formwatch

Boland's Corner (GER) 5-1 (10-11) Made most until headed approaching straight, soon no impression and kept on same pace, 7th of 12, 7l behind Victrix Gale (9-10) at Listowel 3m hcp hdl.

Sorted (IRE) 3-1fav (11-8) Soon chased leaders, 4th and no impression under pressure approaching 2 out, kept on same pace, 5th of 16, 34l behind Jewel In The Sun (10-8) at Ballinrobe 2m 6f cond hcp chs 0-109 gf in May.

Mister Benedictine 3-1fav (11-2) Settled in mid-division, blundered 6th, good headway into 3rd 4 out, travelling best to lead next and soon drew clear, stayed on well, very easily, won at Kilbeggan 2m 3f hcp hdl 80-109 gf beating Substitute (11-10) by 9l, 11 ran.

Oscar Hill (IRE) 2-1fav (10-12) Held up in rear, took keen hold, headway after 3rd, ridden approaching 2 out, soon beaten, 3rd of 7, 13l behind Ubaltique (11-0) at Perth 2m nh nov hdl (4) sft in Apr.

Battling Boru (IRE) 8-1 (11-10) Waited with, good headway to be prominent 2 out, ridden to chase leader last, stayed on well run-in to lead close home, won at Sligo 2m hcp hdl 80-109 gd in May beating Churchfield Champ (11-6) by 2l, 16 ran.

Dark Prospect 14-1 (10-9) Held up towards rear, headway entering straight, ridden into 9th and no impression last, kept on one pace, 9th of 21, 12l behind He's Our Man (11-0) at Punchestown 2m hcp hdl gd in May.

King Of Redfield (IRE) 50-1 (10-6) Mid-division, ridden and no impression 2 out, 17th of 21, 24l behind He's Our Man (11-0) at Punchestown 2m hcp hdl gd in May.

Chestnut Charlie (IRE) 25-1 (11-7) Prominent, jumped left 7th, on terms 4 out, no extra from before straight, 10th of 20, 23l behind Micks (10-8) at Gowran Park 3m hcp hdl 80-116 sft in Nov.

Highdownhill (NZ) 50-1 (11-12) Chased leaders on outer, dropped to rear after halfway, last of 16, well behind Gates Of Rome (11-12) at Naas 2m 3f beg chase sft in Feb.

Imperial Shabra (IRE) 9-1 (10-13) Chased leader in 2nd, clear with leader and 3rd until 4 out, challenged before 3 out, led before 2 out, ridden and headed after 2 out, no extra in 3rd last, kept on same pace, 4th of 14, 4 1/2l behind Nurse Ryan (11-3) at Down Royal 2m hcp hdl 80-109 gf.

Ballyhoura (IRE) 11-10fav (11-4) Attempted to make all, strongly pressed after 2 out, headed approaching straight, soon dropped to 3rd and no extra, 3rd of 9, 13l behind Streets Of Newyork (11-3) at Ballinrobe 2m mdn hdl hvy in Sep.