tracked leaders early, led 3rd and clear before halfway, reduced advantage (6 lengths) when sprawled badly on landing 3 out, not recover, moderate 5th next, mistake last
chased clear leader, moderate 6th 4 out, no extra from next, behind when pulled up before 2 out
chased clear leader mainly 4th, moderate 2nd 5 out, left in front after 3 out, soon ridden, nodded on landing next, kept on well under pressure run-in
chased clear leader, moderate 5th on outer halfway, no extra from 4 out, weakened
chased clear leader, moderate 6th halfway, went 3rd 4 out, left 2nd after next, ridden and no impression on winner approaching last, no extra run-in
towards rear, never a factor, moderate 9th halfway, no threat in straight, kept on one pace
disputed early, headed 3rd, chased clear leader in 2nd, moderate 4th 4 out, left 3rd after next, no impression under pressure from 2 out, kept on one pace
chased clear leader, moderate 7th halfway, never a factor, no extra from 3 out
always towards rear, never a factor
disputed early, headed 3rd, chased clear leader in 3rd, moderate 5th 4 out, left 4th after next, no impression and kept on one pace in straight
MOSSEY JOE is one of Ireland's most exciting prospects and his facile victory over seasoned chasers at Cork last month suggests he can go to the top. That was only his third start over regulation fences and though facing another stiff task he should be up to it. The Fonze, a close fourth in the Galway Plate last year, warmed up for another crack with a very impressive victory at Tipperary, his first start over fences since last year's big race. Harold's Cross has really found his form over fences and could hardly have won more easily at Tipperary earlier this month. The handicapper has taken not with a 10lb rise but another big run is expected. Bally Wall needs much further while the former hunter Predateur could find the ground a bit quick.
Mossey Joe (IRE) 5-4fav (11-10) Mid-division racing keenly, good headway to track leaders in 3rd after 5 out, 2nd from next, led 2 out, kept on well, easily, won at Cork 3m chs gd in May beating The Last Derby (10-9) by 3 1/2l, 9 ran.
Skip Two (IRE) 20-1 (11-2) In touch towards rear, slight mistake 2nd, closed into 3rd before straight, chased winner and no impression from before last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 6, 3 1/2l behind Archie Boy (11-2) at Punchestown 2m 2f chs in May.
Harold's Cross (AUS) 5-1 (11-8) Soon chased leaders in moderate 3rd, closed approaching straight, challenged and on terms 2 out, soon led and clear, stayed on well, easily, won at Tipperary 2m 4f hcp chs 0-116 gd beating Hot Friend (10-11) by 6l, 12 ran.
Knock On The Head (IRE) 12-1 (10-2) Mid-division best, moderate 8th 5 out, no extra from next, pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Bideford Legend (9-10) at Killarney 2m 6f hcp chs gd in May, 11 ran.
Predateur (FR) 25-1 (9-5) Held up in rear, headway into moderate 6th entering straight, ridden in 4th and no impression 2 out, kept on same pace from before last to go 3rd run-in, 3rd of 8, 5l behind Carrigmartin (10-5) at Punchestown 2m hcp chs gd in May.
Dream Champion 14-1 (10-12) Soon chased leaders, no impression under pressure approaching straight, 9th of 15, 16l behind Abbey Glen (9-11) at Listowel 3m hcp hdl gd.
Bally Wall (IRE) 9-2 (10-12) Held up towards rear, took keen hold, headway approaching 17th, tracked winner 4 out, challenged going well next, ridden to lead narrowly flat, headed close home, just held, 2nd of 12, ns behind Petite Margot (10-6) at Perth 3m 7f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Apr.
Information (IRE) 11-1 (9-7) Mistake 2nd and pulled up after, in a race won by Campbonnais (10-2) at Roscommon 3m hcp chs gd, 16 ran.
Essifer (IRE) 25-1 (11-6) Soon chased leaders, 10th halfway, weakened before 5 out, tailed off, 15th of 23, well behind Representing (10-11) at Punchestown 3m hcp hdl 80-102 gf in May.
Roley (IRE) 20-1 (9-5) Soon led and clear, jumped well, reduced lead approaching straight, joined 2 out, soon headed and dropped to 3rd, kept on same pace, 3rd of 12, 10l behind Harold's Cross (11-8) at Tipperary 2m 4f hcp chs 0-116 gd.
Selection Box (IRE) 18-1 (10-6) Tracked leaders, chased winner when mistake 4 out, effort to challenge next, hit 2 out, lost 2nd last, ridden and kept on same pace flat, 4th of 9, 4l behind Sonny Mullen (11-1) at Perth 3m hcp chs 0-145 (2) gf.
The Fonze (IRE) 11-4fav (11-2) Chased leaders, closed into 2nd 3 out, switched to challenge before 2 out, soon led, clear at last, stayed on well, easily, won at Tipperary 2m 1f chs gd beating Schelm (11-2) by 7l, 7 ran.
