CHAMPAGNE PAT has reappeared with two very good runs in handicaps on testing ground. He's only four so further progress is expected and he can see off the likely challenge of Broder. He's also been in cracking form and will enjoy the conditions though his latest victory was over 2m4f and he's 11lb higher. Black Key has never won over hurdles but has gradually dropped in the ratings and makes his handicap debut from what could prove a lenient mark. Dorkas hasn't been running badly over fences but has shown little in three maiden runs over timber.
Black Key 11-10fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, improved to dispute lead 5 out, led 3 out, joined and ridden entering straight, headed 2 out, soon no impression on winner, kept on same pace run-in, 2nd of 13, 5 1/2l behind Venezia (11-12) at Gowran Park 2m 4f mdn gd in Jun.
Champagne Pat (IRE) 7-2fav (10-10) Tracked leaders, slightly hampered 4 out, 2nd 3 out, pushed along and led briefly approaching last, ridden and no impression run-in, no extra close home, 3rd of 15, 4 1/2l behind Oscars Den (11-1) at Navan 2m hcp Soft - Heavy in Nov.
Kick On Boss (IRE) 40-1 (10-0) Always towards rear, bad mistake 5th, mistake 10th, slight mistake 6 out, ridden and no impression before 4 out, weakened and pulled up, at Killarney 3m 2f hcp sft in May.
Winter Breeze (IRE) 28-1 (11-12) Impeded 1st, towards rear, bad mistake 2nd, slow 6th and pushed along, jumped left 7th, no danger from 3 out, tailed off, 9th of 14, dist behind Goulane Davina (11-5) at Clonmel 2m 1f hvy in Feb.
Broder (IRE) 15-2 (10-8) Mid-division, progress into 4th after 3 out, improved into 2nd 2 out, soon travelled well to challenge, pushed out to lead before last, kept on strongly, easily, won at Thurles 2m 4f hcp hvy in Nov beating Crazyheart (10-11) by 8l, 16 ran.
Corri Lindo (FR) 25-1 (11-12) Soon towards rear, pushed along and headway straight, 11th at last and no impression, kept on same pace without threatening run-in, 7th of 24, 12 1/2l behind Snugsborough Hall (11-6) at Punchestown 2m 4f hcp gd in May.
Dorkas 6-1 (11-11) Rear of mid-division, improved to 5th after 5th, progress to 3rd at 7th, improved to 2nd at 10th, no impression on clear leader after last, kept on one pace, dropped to 3rd close home, 3rd of 17, 22 1/4l behind Tomcoole Lad (9-13) at Galway 2m 7f hcp hvy in Oct.
Just Call Me (IRE) 25-1 (11-12) Mid-division, ridden in 8th 3 out, no impression and mistake 2 out, kept on one pace, 8th of 16, 21 1/2l behind Solar Heat (11-5) at Thurles 2m 2f Yielding in Nov.
