in rear, slight mistake 1st, closer order 4 out, ridden to chase winner from 2 out, kept on same pace run-in
led, slightly slow 5th, wandered slightly before 7th, not fluent 8th, joined approaching 4 out where slight mistake, pushed along from 3 out, headed before 2 out, soon no impression in 3rd
prominent, on terms approaching 4 out, led before 2 out travelling smoothly, pushed along to assert approaching last where jumped slightly right, kept on well run-in, eased close home
chased leaders, jumped left 2nd, closer order 4 out, pushed along from 3 out, no impression from before 2 out
soon tracked leader, pushed along briefly from 4 out, pushed along again from 3 out, soon switched right, no impression from before 2 out in last
Although Kalico Kalista arrives in winning form both he and Mark Me Up are a long way out of the handicap and will do well to win from their current marks. LEAP DEARG (NAP) returned to action after a break to score at Naas at this time a year ago then completed a hat trick. The lack of a recent outing since a fair run at Cheltenham in March isn't a problem and he should take this before going on to better things. Pairofbrowneyes has a fitness advantage having run well at Down Royal two weeks ago but Smokey Joe Joe is well held by the selection on their form at Naas in January.
Leap Dearg (IRE) 20-1 (11-9) Tracked leaders, driven approaching 2 out, ridden and one pace last, weakened flat, 8th of 20, 17 3/4l behind Irish Cavalier (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp lst (1) gs in Mar.
Smokey Joe Joe (IRE) 25-1 (11-5) Tracked leaders, 3rd after 4 out, ridden 3 out, weakened, 7th of 8, 24 3/4l behind Felix Yonger (11-10) at Navan 2m 4f (1) hvy in Mar.
Pairofbrowneyes (IRE) 10-3fav (10-8) Tracked leaders, progress on outer after 3 out, ridden in 3rd 2 out, 2nd at last, no extra in 3rd inside final furlong, 3rd of 12, 2l behind The King Of Brega (11-0) at Down Royal 2m hcp Yielding in Oct.
Kalico Kalista (IRE) 14-1 (9-10) Soon chased leaders, closer order from 5th, 3rd from 7th, 2nd when jumped slightly left 4 out, soon led, asserted 2 out, stayed on well run-in, comfortably, won at Listowel 2m 4f hcp Soft - Heavy in Sep beating Curragh Golan (10-11) by 4 3/4l, 9 ran.
Mark Me Up 12-1 (10-11) Held up in last, ridden after 3 out, no impression, never a factor, 6th of 8, dist behind Rolling Rocket (10-11) at Naas 2m hcp Yielding - Soft in Nov.
