WISE OLD OWL has mainly jumped well in his five starts over fences and thoroughly deserved his victory over what looked a strong field at Listowel. He has the potential to do better and may prove too strong for Dream Champion, twice a winner over timber recently but successful only once in 16 starts over fences. Bronte Boy was gaining his first victory in 15 chase runs when successful at Ballinrobe and Fairwood Bob may be more of a threat. Paul Rothwell's charge was well beaten over hurdles last time but his four efforts over fences, including a convincing victory here in May, point to his chances.
Warcraft 8-1 (11-3) Prominent, 4th approaching 3 out, soon lost place and no impression, 10th of 14, 23l behind Dream Champion (10-12) at Ballinrobe 2m 4f hcp hdl 8Evens16 gd in Aug.
Bronte Bay (IRE) 7-2fav (11-7) Made all, mistake 2nd, attempted to assert under pressure approaching 2 out, strongly pressed and stayed on well run-in, won at Ballinrobe 2m 6f beg chs gd in Aug beating Serve Time (11-12) by 1 1/4l, 12 ran.
Dream Champion 15-8fav (11-2) Mid-division, 7th halfway, 4th and smooth progress 4 out, led before 3 out, clear from 2 out, stayed on well, easily, won at Bellewstown 3m hcp hdl 8Evens16 gd in Aug beating AHorseCalledMolly (10-13) by 10l, 16 ran.
Fairwood Bob (IRE) 7-1 (11-1) Towards rear, headway from 3 out, no impression and kept on same pace from before next, 9th of 20, 22l behind Hoopy (11-1) at Galway 3m hcp hdl 88-130 gd in Jul.
For A Finish 5-1 (11-12) Held up in touch, 7th 6 out, ridden and progress on outer 4 out, slight mistake next, 4th 2 out, 2nd and challenged after last, led close home, won at Kilbeggan 2m 4f beg chs fm beating Mulberry Boy (11-12) by 1/2l, 11 ran.
Wise Old Owl (IRE) 3-1fav (11-12) Chased leaders, 7th halfway, headway in 4th 4 out, 2nd and mistake 3 out, ridden to lead before 2 out, challenged last, kept on well run-in, won at Listowel 2m 6f beg chs beating Uncle Junior (11-12) by 1 1/4l, 16 ran.
Kerzak (IRE) 33-1 (11-12) Mid-division, mistake 3rd, 7th halfway, no extra and weakened from 4 out, tailed off, 8th of 15, well behind Sebadee (11-7) at Downpatrick 2m 7f beg chase gf.
Seeability (IRE) 33-1 (10-10) Chased leaders, 7th halfway, headway into 3rd 3 out, ridden to dispute entering straight, no extra in 5th 2 out, kept on same pace, 5th of 18, 21l behind Lough Ferrib (11-1) at Listowel 3m hcp hdl.
Elaine's Fancy (IRE) 50-1 (11-7) Led, headed 4th, lost place halfway, trailing from before 3 out, tailed off, 10th of 13, well behind Lady Hillingdon (11-7) at Killarney 2m 1f beg chs gf in Aug.
Glens Ruby (IRE) 33-1 (11-4) Always towards rear, never a factor, moderate 7th approaching 2 out, kept on one pace, 6th of 15, 35l behind Sebadee (11-7) at Downpatrick 2m 7f beg chase gf.
