waited with behind leaders, improved to lead before 2 out, went right at last, pushed out run-in, comfortably
keen hold, prominent, 3rd before straight, no extra approaching last
in rear, mistake 4th, slow jump 7 out, 4th 4 out, no impression under pressure and kept on same pace from 2 out
tracked leaders, dropped to last 4 out, kept on same pace under pressure without threatening approaching last
attempted to make all, headed before 2 out, kept on well without matching winner run-in
First Lieutenant and DE VALIRA fought out a superb finish over the C&D three weeks ago with the latter just holding on from his odds-on rival after appearing to idle in front. Ruby Walsh rode him that day but Paul Townend knows him even better and with a 3lb pull he can confirm the form. The runner-up didn't appear quite at his brilliant best but was beaten fair and square while Stephanie Kate was just coming to the end of her tether when falling three out where Ordinary Man also departed. Heavy ground will suit the five-year-old Cross Appeal, who ploughed through the mud at Punchestown to see off the fancied Stonemaster.
First Lieutenant (IRE) 4-6fav (11-12) Tracked leader, a bit slow 7 out, left in lead 3 out, strongly pressed next, soon joined, went 1L down run-in, rallied well, just failed, 2nd of 8, ns behind De Valira (11-12) at Cork 2m 4f nov chs in Oct.
De Valira (IRE) 11-2 (11-12) Chased leaders, 3rd for much, closer order 5 out, 2nd travelling well 2 out, soon ridden to challenge and on terms, went 1L up run-in, kept on well, all out, won at Cork 2m 4f nov chs in Oct beating First Lieutenant (11-12) by ns, 8 ran.
Ordinary Man (IRE) 14-1 (11-12) Waited with towards rear, ridden into 6th approaching 2 out, soon no impression and kept on same pace, 5th of 10, 3 1/2l behind Kakagh (11-12) at Clonmel 2m 4f chs in Oct.
Cross Appeal (IRE) 9-1 (11-10) Chased leaders, mistake 2nd, soon 2nd, improved to lead 2 out, ridden before last where slight mistake, kept on, won at Punchestown 2m 4f beg chs hvy in Oct beating Stonemaster (11-12) by 4l, 9 ran.
Stephanie Kate (IRE) 11-2 (10-10) Led, pushed along before straight, pressed when fell 3 out, in a race won by De Valira (11-12) at Cork 2m 4f nov chs in Oct, 8 ran.
Fists Of Fury (IRE) 6-4fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, jumped left 6th and mistake next, soon lost place until closed up again 4 out, 4th before 2 out, no extra and kept on same pace from last, 3rd of 8, 27l behind Last Instalment (11-12) at Galway 2m 6f beg chs hvy in Oct.
