Carrig Cathal was left in front at the last on his debut between the flags at Corbeagh House in November and went for £40,000 at the Sales. He's joined Gordon Elliott and his pedigree suggests he'll be a chaser. MASTER OF VERSE was an impressive winner of a Dromahane point-to-point in December 2013 after which he was purchased for £150,000. He was beaten when a long odds-on chance on his debut for Willie Mullins at Punchestown a year later and was again a short-priced favourite when only fourth at Fairyhouse on New Year's Day last year. He's been given plenty of time and gets another chance here. Smooth River attempted to make all at Leopardstown last month but was headed half-a-mile out where she stayed on at one pace. Nerual had shown a bit of potential at Fairyhouse in December so it was disappointing to see her run poorly back there a month later while Shanaway was beaten a long way into third at Thurles in January.
Carrig Cathal 3-1 (11-10) Ww, mstks 5 and 3out, prog to jn ldrs after 3out, 3rd when left in front last, kow run-in, won at Corbeagh House 3m mdn hvy in Nov beating Kilfilum Cross (11-10) by 3l, 10 ran.
Master Of Verse (IRE) Evensfav (12-0) Held up in rear of mid-division, some progress into 4th 4f out, soon ridden, moderate 5th 1 1/2f out, no impression, 4th of 9, 24l behind Jetstream Jack (11-12) at Fairyhouse 2m sft in Jan.
Shanaway (IRE) 40-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, ridden in 3rd 3f out, no impression in 4th 2f out, kept on one pace into 3rd close home, 3rd of 16, 30l behind Any Drama (11-12) at Thurles 2m hvy in Jan.
Sunday Central Central Park gelding out of Sunday News'n'echo.
Howwouldsheno (IRE) 25-1 (11-7) Always towards rear, ridden and no impression over 4f out, weakened, 13th of 16, dist behind Avellino (11-4) at Down Royal 2m hvy in Dec.
Nerual (IRE) 12-1 (11-7) Held up towards rear, ridden and no impression 3f out, kept on one pace straight, 8th of 16, 31 1/2l behind Goaheadmakemyday (11-9) at Fairyhouse 2m Soft - Heavy in Jan.
Smooth River (IRE) 33-1 (11-7) Led, soon clear, took keen hold, reduced lead over 6f out, edged right and joined over 4f out, headed approaching straight, no impression and kept on same pace from 2f out, 3rd of 10, 7 1/4l behind Sunni May (11-13) at Leopardstown 2m hvy in Feb.
