ran 5th, pushed along after 4 out and no impression from 2 out, kept on one pace
tracked leaders, 4th halfway, headway into 2nd before 3 out, pushed along to challenge 2 out, ridden and no impression on winner run-in, dropped to 3rd close home
prominent and disputed lead, led before 4th, pushed along and slight mistake 2 out, headed last, ridden and dropped to 4th run-in, kept on closing stages
tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, 4th 3 out, pushed along and good headway to lead last, ridden and kept on well run-in, drew clear closing stages
always towards rear, not fluent 2nd and 3rd, reminder after 4th, pushed along approaching straight, no extra from 2 out, weakened
led or disputed lead, headed before 4th, pushed along and dropped to 4th 2 out, ridden and rallied run-in to go 2nd close home
NonRunner
CALDWELL DIAMOND had been running well in bumpers before landing a Fairyhouse maiden over timber and can't have been right when beaten a long way at Hereford next time. He gets a chance to put matters right though has questions to answer as does Invictus Machin, who followed a convincing debut success at Down Royal by finishing last of four at Punchestown. Ney gained a shock victory here in November then was well beaten in a Thurles handicap while Desert Friend hasn't made the expected progress from his Listowel maiden victory. Starzov has also disappointed since landing a Roscommon maiden but Limerick winner Elusive Guy was still in touch on a return visit when unseating two out. Viceregent found 2m4f too far at Fairyhouse but would have a definite chance on his two previous runs at this trip.
Invictus Machin (FR) 7-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders in 3rd, dropped to rear before 3 out, mistake next, soon pushed along and no impression, kept on one pace, last of 4, 19 1/4l behind Itswhatunitesus (11-11) at Punchestown 2m Yielding in Dec.
Ney (IRE) 9-2jfav (10-13) Chased leader, 2nd halfway, pushed along and lost position after 3 out, no extra, 9th of 13, 26l behind New Ross (10-0) at Thurles 2m hcp Yielding in Dec.
Desert Friend (IRE) 15-2 (12-0) Tracked leaders in 3rd, not fluent 4th and next, slight mistake 4 out, 2nd entering straight, ridden in 3rd when mistake 2 out, no impression before last, kept on one pace, 3rd of 6, 6l behind Marelly (11-4) at Limerick 2m hvy in Dec.
Starzov (IRE) 7-1 (11-5) Towards rear, 5th halfway, close 4th when fell 3 out, at Thurles 2m 7f Yielding in Dec.
Elusive Guy (IRE) 25-1 (11-7) Towards rear, pushed along and headway to challenge when fell 2 out, at Limerick 2m 4f Soft - Heavy in Dec.
Viceregent 6-1 (10-13) Tracked leaders, slight mistake 4 out, ridden to dispute lead before 2 out, headed when mistake at last, no extra in 3rd inside final furlong, 3rd of 12, 3 1/2l behind Whatsavailable (11-5) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f hcp Good - Yielding in Dec.
Caldwell Diamond (FR) 10-11fav (11-7) Held up in touch in mid-division, closed 4th, not fluent 2 out, shaken up after 2 out, soon beaten, weakened before last, 10th of 13, dist behind Theatre Man (11-0) at Hereford 2m 4f (4) sft in Nov.
