THE much-anticipated ann-ouncement of the weights for the Cheltenham hand-icaps took place this week with the usual debates ensuing over the treatment of Irish-trained runners by the BHA handicapper.

Overall there little complaints with the likes of Blue Sari, Riviere D’etel, Sizing Pottsie, Run Wild Fred and the well mentioned Escaria Ten left on their Irish marks.

The three Irish-trained runners hit hardest by the BHA handicapper’s assessment are leading Pertemps Final hopeful The Bosses Oscar (11st 10lb on 151 as the second from top weight behind graded winner Third Wind and the Gigginstown-owned pair of Frontal Assault and Ragnar Lodbrok – all of whom are 8lb higher than in Ireland.

Chatham Street Lad and The Shunter are among the five chasers handed 5lb higher ratings.

The Elliott stable provides the highest weighted Irish runners in the Ultima Handicap with Coko Beach 11st 3lb (151), Milan Native, 11st 1lb (149) and Escaria Ten, 10st 13lb (147).

Druid’s Altar and Busselton both to carry 10st 10lb (135) are interesting for Joseph O’Brien in the Boodles where recent winner Zoffanien on 10st 5lb is another to note for the Denis Hogan stable.

Thomas Darby on 11st 12lb tops the Coral Cup weights for Olly Murphy with Bachasson the highest rated Mullins horse on 11st 7lb (150). Grand Roi heads the market for the Elliott yard and is allocated 11st 6lb (149).

Great White Shark on 11st 4lb and the Leopardstown eyecatcher Koshari (11st 3lb) are next for Willie Mullins.

Battleoverdoyen (162) heads both the Grand Annual and the Paddy Power Plate.

Saldier (11st 12lb, 156) tops the weights for the County Hurdle ahead of fellow Grade 1 winner Petit Mouchoir (11st 11lb, 155), both left on their Irish marks by the BHA assessor.

Willie Mullins and Dan Skelton have shared the last six runnings, three wins each and Third Time Lucki on 10st 13lb catches the eye for Skelton while the Betfair Hurdle winner Soaring Glory is on 10st 13lb (143) for Jonjo O’Neill.

Willie has novices engaged in Blue Lord 11st 1lb (145) N’Golo 10st 12lb (142) and Ganapathi 10st 10lb (140).

THE new Grade 2 Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase on Gold Cup day has a total of 19 entries with Willie Mullins holding a predictably strong hand with Elimay, Colreevy and Salsaretta, Cabaret Queen and Robin De Carlow his representatives. Eleven of the 19 are trained in Ireland, with Magic Of Light, Moyhenna and Shattered Love among those engaged.