slight mistake 3rd, chased leaders, went in pursuit of leader travelling well approaching 4 out where slightly slow, struggling to close from 3 out, about 5L down when left clear last
in touch towards rear, ridden in moderate 3rd approaching straight, soon no impression
chased leader, 2nd approaching 5 out, lost place next, soon no impression, left a place better from last
led, clear for much, jumped well until about 5L up and in full control when fell last
chased leaders, moderate 4th approaching straight, soon no extra
A disappointing turnout, due almost certainly to the presence of GOLDEN SILVER, who can't be opposed. Willie Mullins' Grade 1 winner hasn't been seen since running poorly behind Big Zeb in the Champion Chase at Punchestown in May but had beaten Colm Murphy's champion there in January and is in a different league to these rivals. Becauseicouldntsee is a cracking staying prospect as he showed when runner-up in the Paddy Power Handicap at Leopardstown in December and that looks to be his target again later in the month. Osirixamix should do best of the remaining trio.
Golden Silver (FR) 11-2 (11-12) Held up in 5th, 4th at halfway, ridden and no impression from 3 out, 4th of 6, 36l behind Big Zeb (11-12) at Punchestown 2m chs G1 (1) gd in May.
Becauseicouldntsee (IRE) 7-1 (11-0) Chased leaders struggling from after 4 out, no extra from before straight, soon eased, tailed off, last of 6, well behind Sword Of Destiny (11-0) at Cork 3m nov hdl Grd 3 (1) sft in Nov.
Hughies Grey (IRE) 25-1 (11-5) Tracked leaders, 5th halfway, no extra from 4 out, weakened, 16th of 25, well behind Groody Hill (10-3) at Navan 3m hcp chs 0-150 sft in Nov.
Osirixamix (IRE) 14-1 (11-10) Held up racing keenly, pulled way into moderate 4th before halfway, no threat from 5 out, behind when pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Hans Crescent (9-9) at Cork 2m hcp chs 0-140 hvy in Nov, 9 ran.
Uncle Tom Cobley (IRE) 9-1 (10-10) Prominent, led from 5th and soon clear, headed 4 out and soon weakened, trailing straight and eased before last, 9th of 12, 47l behind Lastoftheleaders (10-9) at Fairyhouse 2m 1f hcp chs sft.
