led, joined 4 out and headed after next, led again after 2 out, pushed along approaching last and headed early run-in, ridden and no impression on winner
tracked leader, 2nd halfway, headway to dispute 4 out and led after next, mistake and headed 2 out, pushed along and led again run-in, ridden and kept on well, edged right close home
tracked leaders, close up in 3rd when slight mistake 3 out, pushed along next and no impression approaching last, kept on run-in
tracked leaders, pushed along 4 out and no impression before next, no extra 2 out, weakened
Bravissimo is the highest rated of these but he's been disappointing and was beaten a long way behind stable companion Saturnas at Fairyhouse. He can do better than that while Inis Meain has had 13 starts over fences and though he's yet to score he's been placed in tough company and led for a long way over 2m4f at Fairyhouse last time. GOOSE MAN has done all of his racing over jumps over longer trips and was impressive when landing a 2m4f novices' chase at Navan. He had the 123-rated Champoleon 10l back in third so that would give him the edge and he's still on the upgrade. Robin Des Mana was fortunate to land a handicap at Punchestown when a close rival fell at the last but this is his trip and ground and he won't go down without a battle.
Robin Des Mana (IRE) 7-1 (11-9) Tracked leader, 2nd halfway, headway to dispute approaching 3 out, led travelling well after 2 out, pushed along and pressed when left clear last, kept on well run-in, won at Punchestown 2m hcp Soft - Heavy in Dec beating Thirsty Work (11-10) by 19l, 9 ran.
Goose Man (IRE) 5-1 (11-3) Tracked leaders, soon 3rd, slight mistake 10th, closed 2 out, led between last 2, stayed on well run-in, won at Navan 2m 4f hvy in Dec beating Without Limites (11-7) by 4 1/2l, 8 ran.
Bravissimo (FR) 13-2 (11-12) Tracked leaders in 4th, moderate 4th halfway, no impression from 3 out, kept on one pace, 4th of 8, 36 1/4l behind Saturnas (11-12) at Fairyhouse 2m 1f sft in Jan.
Inis Meain (USA) 12-1 (11-3) Soon disputed lead, headed 7th until disputed lead again at 10th, ridden entering straight, headed after 2 out, 3rd at last, kept on same pace run-in, 3rd of 5, 1/2l behind Close Shave (11-7) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f sft in Jan.
