mid-division, hampered and dropped to rear 5 out, soon no impression, kept on one pace from before straight
chased leaders, 6th halfway, 4th 4 out, ridden next, no extra before straight, kept on one pace
held up towards rear, headway into 5th 4 out, 3rd next, ridden and no impression before straight, 5th 2 out, soon no extra
chased leader, 3rd halfway, ridden in 5th 3 out, no extra before straight
chased leaders early, 7th halfway, ridden in 6th 3 out, no impression before straight
chased leaders, 2nd halfway, ridden and no impression winner before straight, kept on one pace, dropped to 4th run-in
held up towards rear, 7th 4 out, ridden in 4th before straight, 3rd and no impression 2 out, kept on same pace
mid-division early, 5th halfway, 8th 4 out, ridden next, under pressure in 7th before straight, 4th 2 out, kept on to 2nd run-in, no chance with winner
chased leaders, 4th halfway, fell 5 out
made all, asserted before 2 out, easily
Despite the presence of several smart and progressive mares, TARLA is given the nod to make a winning debut over fences. Willie Mullins' French-bred had some fine form over timber in her native country and apart from one blip on the Flat at Listowel has done everything right for new connections. Her pedigree suggests she could be a star at this game and she can make a winning start. Knockfierna will provide a stiff test of her credentials if consenting to put in a clear round. She's won four times over fences, three at Grade 3 level, but has blotted her copybook twice when running out. Our Victoria had Our Girl Lucy almost three lengths behind at Thurles last time and is doing well but Lead Kindly Light, who was a long way behind that day, should get much closer as that was her first start since April. Great Oak and Glibin are very tightly matched on their run at Galway in August but both need to raise their game.
Knockfierna (IRE) Evensfav (11-3) Chased leaders in 3rd, 2nd from 7th, close up in 2nd 3 out, every chance when ran out 2 out, in a race won by Down In Neworleans (11-8) at Limerick 2m 3f chs Grd 3 (1) sft in Oct, 7 ran.
Our Victoria (IRE) 9-4fav (11-5) Tracked leaders in 4th, headway into 2nd entering straight and soon challenged, ridden approaching last where led, kept on best run-in, won at Thurles 2m 2f Mares Chase (5yo+) in Oct beating Our Girl Lucy (11-7) by 2 3/4l, 8 ran.
Lead Kindly Light (IRE) 14-1 (11-10) Settled in rear, some headway into 5th before 4 out where mistake, no threat in straight, 5th of 8, 35l behind Our Victoria (11-5) at Thurles 2m 2f Mares Chase (5yo+) in Oct.
Special Token (IRE) 12-1 (11-6) Led, headed before 6th, disputed lead again 7th, led and ridden before 2 out, headed entering straight, no impression, 6th of 16, 17l behind Last Time D'albain (11-8) at Punchestown 2m 4f hcp hdl 80-102 sft in Oct.
Glibin (IRE) 12-1 (10-8) Chased leaders mainly 4th, ridden and no impression entering straight, kept on one pace, 4th of 5, 18l behind Hidden Cyclone (11-1) at Naas 2m chs Grade 3 (1) sft in Oct.
Great Oak (IRE) 3-1fav (10-12) Soon chased leaders, closer order 4 out, chased winner from before last, soon no impression, kept on same pace, 2nd of 20, 5l behind Latin Connection (11-5) at Down Royal 2m 6f hcp hdl 80-102 gs.
Avondhu Lady (IRE) 20-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, 5th halfway, pushed along 4 out, ridden to challenge 2 out, narrow lead after last, kept on under pressure, all out, won at Clonmel 2m 4f beg chs beating Our Girl Salley (11-7) by nk, 15 ran.
Our Girl Salley (IRE) 6-5fav (11-7) Rear of mid-division, headway in 5th before straight, challenged 2 out, ridden and close up last, strongly pressed winner run-in, just held, 2nd of 15, nk behind Avondhu Lady (11-2) at Clonmel 2m 4f beg chs.
Ros Brin (IRE) 14-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, improved to lead 4 out, ridden and challenged 2 out, headed after last, no extra and kept on same pace, 3rd of 15, 4 1/2l behind Avondhu Lady (11-2) at Clonmel 2m 4f beg chs.
Tarla (FR) 9-10fav (10-13) Made all, cruised clear approaching straight, stayed on well, very easily, won at Punchestown 2m 2f hdl G3 (1) hvy in Oct beating Benny's Fagartha (10-13) by 12l, 8 ran.
