prominent in chasing group, closed in 2nd approaching straight, soon no impression under pressure, not fluent and kept on same pace from 2 out
chased leaders, moderate 4th 4 out, no extra from 2 out
mid-division best, moderate 7th approaching 5 out, soon no impression
chased leaders, well off pace, slow 1st, jumped left, moderate 5th approaching 5 out, soon no impression
mid-division, moderate 7th approaching 6 out, soon no danger, kept on
pulled up injured after 3rd
mid-division best, moderate 8th approaching 5 out, soon no danger, kept on
towards rear for most, never a factor
prominent in chasing group, moderate 3rd 4 out, soon no impression, kept on same pace
made all, clear for much, asserted into straight, good jumps last 2 and stayed on well from last, comfortably
chased leaders, not fluent 4 out, soon no impression
Byerley Bear's confidence may have been affected after his fall at the last when in with every chance at Wexford as his subsequent runs have been disappointing. Asymmetrical jumped poorly on his chasing debut but improved at Tramore on New Year's Day and is one to note though Tony Martin also runs chasing newcomer Undertheboardwalk, who has been very progressive over timber. SHANE ROCK is proving himself a much better chaser than hurdler and his overall form, especially his last two starts, entitles him to the vote here. Odonimee has made too many mistakes over fences so far and the biggest threat could come from Ballyburke, already a point-to-point, bumper and hurdles winner, who looks certain to carry on the good work over regulation fences.
Asymmetrical (IRE) 16-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, 6th approaching 2 out, soon no impression under pressure, kept on same pace, 5th of 14, 20l behind Beckwith Star (11-12) at Tramore 2m beg chase hvy in Jan.
Ballyburke (IRE) 11-10fav (11-12) Mid-division early, improved to track leaders from before 4th, challenged and on terms before 3 out, soon led, clear approaching last where not fluent, stayed on well run-in, won at Cork 2m mdn hdl hvy in Jan beating Kildare Blowin (11-5) by 5l, 12 ran.
Binocular 9-1 (11-12) Soon mid-division, no impression 5 out, mistake and unseated rider 3 out, in a race won by Beckwith Star (11-12) at Tramore 2m beg chase hvy in Jan, 14 ran.
Byerley Bear (IRE) 3-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, well off pace, moderate 7th before straight, no extra from 2 out, 7th of 9, 22l behind Perfect Smile (11-12) at Fairyhouse 2m 1f beg chs hvy in Dec.
Diamond Shower (USA) 11-2 (11-7) Tracked leaders, on terms approaching 3 out, headed when mistake next, soon no impression and kept on same pace, 3rd of 13, 7l behind Fiery Oscar (11-4) at Thurles 2m hcp hdl 80-95 hvy in Jan.
Harbour Two (IRE) 33-1 (11-12) Towards rear, slight mistake 2nd, refused 6 out, in a race won by Friendly Society (11-12) at Limerick 2m 1f beg chs hvy in Dec, 12 ran.
Lamb's Cross 25-1 (11-7) Towards rear, closer in 10th before straight, soon no impression, kept on same pace, 8th of 15, 31l behind Special Token (11-5) at Limerick 2m 3f beg chase hvy in Jan.
Shane Rock 7-2 (11-12) Always prominent, led before 2 out, clear approaching last, tying up closing stages and caught on line, 2nd of 12, ns behind Friendly Society (11-12) at Limerick 2m 1f beg chs hvy in Dec.
Steady Ed (IRE) 33-1 (11-5) Soon mid-division, dropped to poor 9th and no impression approaching straight, kept on same pace, 6th of 12, 22l behind Friendly Society (11-12) at Limerick 2m 1f beg chs hvy in Dec.
Undertheboardwalk (IRE) 10-11fav (11-5) Mid-division, ridden to led last, stayed on well flat, won at Perth 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Aug beating Reaping The Reward (11-5) by 4l, 7 ran.
Whatdoyousay 50-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, no extra after 4 out and weakened, pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Rathlin (11-12) at Fairyhouse 2m 5f beg chase in Jan, 13 ran.
Odonimee (IRE) 7-2 (10-12) Soon tracked leaders, not fluent 4 out, dropped to 4th approaching 2 out, soon no impression under pressure, kept on same pace, 3rd of 14, 15l behind Beckwith Star (11-12) at Tramore 2m beg chase hvy in Jan.
Billytheblacksmith (IRE) 9-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders, weakened from halfway, mistake 5 out, completely tailed off, 8th of 11, well behind Oscar Dan Dan (11-12) at Navan 2m 1f beg chase in Jan.
