raced in 3rd, ridden and outpaced after 4 out, 5th before straight, stayed on again from last
tracked leaders, several slight mistakes, dropped to rear 5 out, lost touch after 4 out
close up in 2nd, challenged 3 out, soon ridden and no impression, kept on same pace from 2 out
raced keenly, restrained in rear, improved into 3rd 4 out, led after 3 out, drew clear approaching next, not extended, impressive
led, slight mistake 4 out, ridden and headed after 3 out, soon no extra, moderate 4th after mistake last
held up in touch, improved into close 4th after 4 out, ridden and no impression from next, one pace
Araucaria was backed as if defeat were out of the question in a Grade 3 at Down Royal last time but ran poorly behind Macville. The two mile trip was undoubtedly too short but it was still a lack-lustre effort. ASKANNA is stepping up in grade and has to concede weight all-round but she's a very progressive stayer who will be well suited by the trip and what is likely to be a real stamina test. She gets the nod to gain her seventh success in eight starts. Mossey Joe, unbeaten in two points and a novice hunter chase, is a surprise entry but one to keep an eye on and, though the remaining trio will need to improve, there is every chance of them doing so.
Askanna (IRE) 6-1 (10-4) Tracked leaders in 4th, 3rd from 6 out, led from 3 out, ridden and strongly pressed before last, stayed on well under pressure, won at Punchestown 2m 6f hdl in Nov beating Sweet My Lord (10-10) by 1 1/2l, 10 ran.
Down In Neworleans (IRE) 5-4fav (11-12) Tracked leaders on inner, led from 4 out, ridden clear after 3 out, joined when not fleunt at last, headed inside final furlong, no extra and dropped to 3rd close home, 3rd of 22, 3/4l behind Revelling (11-0) at Cork 2m 4f mdn hdl sft in Nov.
Fists Of Fury (IRE) 22-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, closed from 3 out, ridden in 3rd after next, on terms when slight peck last, stayed on best run-in to lead close home, won at Thurles 2m 2f mdn hdl sft in Nov beating Better Times (11-12) by 1/2l, 18 ran.
Mossey Joe (IRE) 11-4fav (11-2) Mid-division racing keenly, headway into 5th after halfway, led 4 out, drew clear from 2 out, easily, won at Tipperary 2m 7f nov hunt ch gf in Apr beating Kanesh (11-4) by 11l, 18 ran.
Saville Row (IRE) 16-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, 8th halfway, headway into 5th 4 out, challenged entering straight, ridden in close 2nd 2 out, stayed on to lead closing stages, won at Down Royal 2m 6f mdn hdl in Nov beating Jakros (11-12) by nk, 20 ran.
Araucaria (IRE) 8-11fav (11-0) Chased leaders in moderate 3rd, closed 4 out, 2nd before 3 out, ridden in 3rd entering straight, no extra in 4th before 2 out, kept on one pace to 3rd run-in, 3rd of 10, 20l behind Macville (11-3) at Down Royal 2m mrs nov hdl G3 (1) in Nov.
