led, bad mistake 9th, headed 2 out, beaten when fell last
always prominent, led 2 out, clear last, stayed on well, comfortably
prominent throughout, no impression under pressure and kept on same pace approaching last
chased leaders, 4th before 3 out, no impression and kept on same pace from next
soon behind, fell 3 out
waited with, mistake 8th and soon well off pace, closed 2 out, no impression and left a place better from last, kept on
BOG WARRIOR looked an outstanding prospect when slamming Shinrock Paddy in the Grade 1 Drinmore at Fairyhouse but took a heavy tumble at Leopardstown on Boxing Day. He had nothing to beat on his next start but proved a huge disappointment on his final start at Naas when beaten a distance by Flemenstar, whom he had beaten easily earlier. He'll need to cut out those mistakes if he's to go to the top but hopefully can do so and gets the vote over Cristal Bonus. Paul Nicholls' recruit from France, who landed the Grade 2 Pendil Novices' at Kempton in February, ended his campaign with a fine run behind Menorah at Aintree and there's every chance he'll progress again this season. Rivage D'Or was beaten 36 lengths by Bog Warrior in the Drinmore and can hardly be expected to turn the tables and though Jacksonslady is a nice prospect she's facing a very stiff task, a remark that also applies to Mia's Vic who makes his debut over regulation fences.
Bog Warrior (IRE) 10-11fav (11-12) Led and kept wide throughout, headed 7th, ridden 2 out and no extra in 3rd before last, eased and virtually pulled up run-in, last of 3, well behind Flemenstar (11-12) at Naas 2m 4f nov chs Grd 3 (1) sft in Mar.
Cristal Bonus (FR) 7-1 (11-4) Led until after 1st, tracked leader, led after 8th, headed 11th, hit 4 out, ridden to lead next, headed 2 out, no impression on winner approaching last, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 5, 7l behind Menorah (11-4) at Aintree 2m 4f nov chs G1 (1) gs in Apr.
Imperial Shabra (IRE) 9-1 (11-10) Chased leaders, 6th halfway, no impression 2 out and 7th approaching last, kept on one pace, 5th of 15, 15l behind Celestial Prospect (11-1) at Wexford 2m 2f cond hcp hdl (80-109) gd in Oct.
Rivage D'Or (FR) 5-1 (11-5) Chased leaders in 4th, headway into 2nd 5 out, narrow lead 3 out, ridden after 2 out, headed last, no extra and kept on same pace, 2nd of 7, 7l behind Down In Neworleans (11-8) at Limerick 2m 3f chs Grd 3 (1) sft in Oct.
Mia's Vic (IRE) 5-1 (11-1) Held up towards rear, headway in 11th after 3 out, ridden in 6th entering straight, no impression 2 out, kept on same pace run-in to 3rd closing stages, 3rd of 16, 14l behind Dont Tell Pa (10-4) at Limerick 2m 2f hcp hdl 80-109 sft in Oct.
Jacksonslady (IRE) 4-1 (10-9) Chased leaders, slight mistake 6th, 4th halfway, 3rd and mistake 4 out, travelled best entering straight, challenged 2 out, shaken up to dispute before last, ridden in 2nd run-in, no extra closing stages, 2nd of 9, 1l behind Pride Of The Artic (11-8) at Tipperary 2m 4f nov chs (1) hvy in Oct.
