chased leaders, 3rd halfway, ridden before straight, no extra before 3 out, weakened
settled behind leaders, 4th halfway, ridden into 2nd 3 out, closer and disputed 2nd last, kept on same pace in 3rd run-in, edged 2nd at line
held up in rear, ridden in 5th entering straight, under pressure in 4th 3 out where jinked left after flight and unseated rider
led and disputed, ridden and headed entering straight, under pressure in 3rd 3 out, stayed on and disputed close 2nd last, soon pressed leader, switched right run-in, no extra closing stages, just lost 2nd on line
close up, disputed from 6th, led entering straight, ridden before 2 out, steadied slightly last, soon pressed, drifted slightly left run-in, kept on well under pressure closing stages
held up, 5th halfway, ridden entering straight, under pressure 3 out, no extra in 4th next, kept on one pace
Battle Of Midway made all and battled on strongly to beat Definite Plan over 2m4f at Fairyhouse but was receiving 7lb and has to concede weight here. Alpine Cobra stepped up to 2m6f at Punchestown and won comfortably so there should be more to come while Shanwalla has been running very well and wasn't beaten far in a Cheltenham handicap last time. VIS TA LOI made most on his debut for Willie Mullins at Clonmel and though that was over 2m3f he looked certain to be suited by further. He'll need to improve again but should do so though Well Set Up looks a threat. Mark Fahey's mare won a Listed contest over the track and trip last month and any further rain would aid her cause. Larquebuse dead-heated at Fairyhouse and looks a fair prospect for staying hurdles.
Battle Of Midway (IRE) 11-8fav (11-10) Made most, joined 3 out, ridden and strongly pressed before 2 out, led after 2 out, clear at last, reduced advantage inside final furlong, all out close home, won at Fairyhouse 2m 4f Soft - Heavy in Nov beating Definite Plan (11-10) by nk, 6 ran.
Alpine Cobra (IRE) Evensfav (11-8) Towards rear, progress to 6th after 4 out, improved to 3rd 3 out, pushed along to lead before last, kept on well run-in, won at Punchestown 2m 6f mdn sft in Nov beating Fully Charged (11-8) by 1 1/2l, 12 ran.
Shanwalla (IRE) 12-1 (11-3) Held up behind, headway after 3 out (usual 4 out), tracked leaders 2 out, ridden and kept on flat, no impression with front pair, 3rd of 10, 4 1/2l behind Jatiluwih (11-10) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp (2) sft in Nov.
Vis Ta Loi (FR) 3-1fav (11-4) Led and disputed, ridden and joined before 2 out, soon edged left, narrow lead last, kept on well run-in to assert, won at Clonmel 2m 3f mdn Soft - Heavy in Nov beating Arahecan (11-4) by 2 3/4l, 13 ran.
Well Set Up (IRE) 3-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, progress to challenge travelling well on inner before 3 out, ridden and led when jumped left 2 out, strongly pressed after last, edged left and kept on well to assert final 50 yards, won at Cork 3m lst (1) Soft - Heavy in Nov beating Doctor Duffy (11-4) by 2l, 5 ran.
Larquebuse (FR) 13-2 (11-7) Mid-division, went moderate 4th at 9th, niggled along in 4th after 3 out, moderate 4th at last (usual 2 out), rapid headway inside final furlong, stayed on strongly to dispute lead at line, just failed for outright win, won at Fairyhouse 2m 4f mdn Soft - Heavy in Nov beating Lunch In Adare (10-13), 13 ran.
