chased leaders in rear, pushed along halfway, ridden approaching 4 out and no impression from 2 out
tracked leaders, 5th halfway, ridden approaching 3 out, progress to lead after 2 out, challenged last and soon headed, kept on one pace under pressure
tracked leaders in 3rd, ridden approaching 3 out and no extra from 2 out
tracked leaders, 4th halfway, switched right after 2 out and ridden to challenge last, led run-in and kept on under pressure
led, headed 3rd and led again from 6th, jumped left 2 out and soon headed, no impression in 3rd before last, kept on one pace run-in
tracked leader and led 3rd, headed 6th and remained prominent, dropped to 5th 3 out and ridden entering straight, no impression in 4th after next
Another superb race in prospect. Classy hurdler Don Cossack made a sparkling debut over the bigger obstacles at Galway then found Grade 1 winning hurdler Morning Assembly just too strong in a Punchestown Grade 2. Carlingford Lough landed the Galway Plate in great style with a battling performance that will stand him in good stead. He couldn't cope with the progressive White Star Line in the Kerry National at Listowel but was conceding the winner 17lb so it was another first-rate performance. SIZING RIO is given the nod as he has looked a natural since turning to fences, making all in a Grade 3 at Cork last time and coming home with his head in his chest. Road To Riches landed a Grade 3 over hurdles but failed at the highest level. He beat a big field when making all on his chasing debut at Naas and is certain to have gained benefit from the experience. Art Of Logistics is doing everything right over fences and though needing to raise his game he's capable of doing so but Clar Na Mionn is held by the selection on their run at Cork.
Art Of Logistics (IRE) Evensfav (11-0) Tracked leader in 2nd, disputed 6th and led briefly next, regained lead 2 out and asserted before last, kept on well run-in, won at Punchestown 2m 2f nov chs (1) gd in Oct beating Six Stone Ned (11-1) by 6l, 5 ran.
Carlingford Lough (IRE) 10-1 (11-7) Soon chased leaders, 6th 5 out, no impression under pressure from before 2 out, stayed on into 2nd without troubling winner close home, 2nd of 18, 5l behind White Star Line (10-4) at Listowel 3m sft in Sep.
Clar Na Mionn (IRE) 6-1 (11-0) Chased leader in 2nd, ridden and no impression entering straight, kept on one pace, mistake last, 2nd of 5, 10l behind Sizing Rio (10-13) at Cork 2m 4f nov chs Grd 3 (1) sft in Nov.
Don Cossack (GER) 4-5fav (11-3) Tracked leaders in 3rd, headway 3 out and led next, soon ridden and challenged last, headed run-in and no extra under pressure close home, 2nd of 4, 1/2l behind Morning Assembly (11-3) at Punchestown 2m 6f nov chs G2 (1) in Nov.
Road To Riches (IRE) 11-4 (11-12) Made all, pressed from 4 out, pushed out before last, ridden and kept on well run-in, won at Naas 2m 3f beg chs in Nov beating Foxrock (11-12) by 2l, 18 ran.
Sizing Rio (IRE) 13-8fav (10-13) Made all, slight mistake 5th, asserted 3 out, pushed out briefly before last, kept on strongly, easily, won at Cork 2m 4f nov chs Grd 3 (1) sft in Nov beating Clar Na Mionn (11-0) by 10l, 5 ran.
