raced in 5th, 4th after halfway, closer order 6f out, progress to chase leader straight, on terms 2f out, headed over 1f out, kept on same pace
led and clear early, reduced lead inside first 6f, joined 6f out, pushed along over 4f out and headed, lost position and no extra straight
raced in 2nd, closed up inside first 6f, on terms 6f out, led over 4f out, attempted to assert straight, headed 2f out, soon no impression, dropped to moderate 4th final furlong
in rear, closer order 6f out, progress to chase leader straight, on terms 2f out, led over 1f out, stayed on well
raced in 4th, 5th after halfway, closer order 6f out, lost position and no impression approaching straight in rear, soon headway to chase leaders again, kept on into moderate 3rd without threatening final furlong
raced in 3rd, closer order 6f out, lost position and no impression straight
FIRST APPROACH looked like being beaten by Doctor Duffy over slightly further at Tipperary when headed close home but fought back to regain the lead. The runner-up was receiving 2lb and now has a 9lb pull which should enable him to reverse the form though he had a fitness advantage over the winner who is taken to confirm the form. Feelin' Groovy took advantage of very testing conditions to win easily at Limerick in March but if acting on this ground would have to be considered. James Eclipse also won on heavy going at Listowel last September but has been well beaten subsequently.
First Approach (IRE) 11-8fav (12-0) Mid-division early, inclined to race towards outer, 6th after halfway, improved to lead approaching straight, headed inside final furlong, kept on well to regain lead at line, won at Tipperary 2m 4f gd in Oct beating Doctor Duffy (12-0) by nk, 12 ran.
James Eclipse (IRE) 25-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, disputed briefly before 3rd, slight mistake 6th, 2nd halfway, weakened 5 out, tailed off, 10th of 12, dist behind Percy Veer (11-12) at Listowel 3m mdn gd in Sep.
Feelin' Groovy (IRE) 9-2 (11-7) Towards rear, some headway 5f out, good progress on inner entering straight and led 2f out, soon asserted and clear over 1f out, stayed on well, won at Limerick 2m hvy in Mar beating The Big Galloper (11-7) by 8l, 9 ran.
Doctor Duffy (IRE) 7-4 (12-0) Held up, 10th after halfway, progress to challenge from 2f out, led inside final furlong, kept on well, headed at line, 2nd of 12, nk behind First Approach (12-0) at Tipperary 2m 4f gd in Oct.
Wild Rumour (IRE) 100-1 (11-7) Mid-division early, 9th after halfway, pushed along over 4f out, no extra from before straight, 10th of 12, 31 3/4l behind First Approach (12-0) at Tipperary 2m 4f gd in Oct.
Elaines Dirha (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Always towards rear, never a factor, no extra approaching straight, weakened, tailed off, 16th of 18, dist behind My Sister Sarah (11-0) at Roscommon 2m gd in Aug.
Scanimax (IRE) 125-1 (12-0) Held up, 11th after halfway, pushed along 6f out, no impression 5f out, weakened, completely tailed off, last of 12, dist behind First Approach (12-0) at Tipperary 2m 4f gd in Oct.
Kilbeg Bernie (IRE) 33-1 (11-7) Held up, soon towards rear, impeded early straight, chased leaders and one pace after, 7th of 14, 14 1/2l behind Stacey Sue (11-7) at Cork 2m 3f gd in Aug.
