tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, headway in 2nd after 4 out, led 2 out and pushed along, ridden and kept on run-in
tracked leader, 2nd halfway, 3rd entering straight and mistake 3 out, 4th and ridden next, no impression between final 2, kept on well run-in and closing in 3rd at line
led, pushed along and slight mistake 2 out where headed, 3rd and ridden approaching last, no extra run-in
towards rear in touch, 4th 4 out, headway 2 out, soon ridden and 2nd approaching last, kept on run-in, no impression on winner close home
held up towards rear, ran freely, slight mistake 6 out, in rear and mistake 3 out, no extra after next and eased run-in
ELIMAY comfortably landed a mares' Listed race at Naas before fighting a losing battle with stable companion Colreevy in the Mares' Chase at Cheltenham where she went down by half-a-length. Mount Ida had been beaten 12 lengths into second by that winner in a Grade 2 at Thurles before landing the Kim Muir at Cheltenham in fine style but the 7lb she receives should enable her to go close. Abbey Magic looked a tremendous prospect when completing a hat-trick in 2018 and has done well since returning from a long break. She would be better suited than most if the going firmed up while Demi Plie has won her share of races and will be better for last month's run over hurdles. Zarkareva won a Punchestown Grade 3 in October and may just have needed the run at Thurles after a break.
Elimay (FR) 6-5fav (11-5) Held up in touch, closed to press winner from 9th, carried right at some of the fences after, driven after 2 out, led narrowly 150 yards out, headed and brushed by winner 75 yards out, held after, stayed on, 2nd of 11, 1/2l behind Colreevy (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m 5f (1) gs in Mar.
Mount Ida (IRE) 3-1fav (11-9) Jumped right, towards rear, shaken up 5th, last 7th, steady headway from 17th, chasing leaders 4 out, led going well 2 out, ridden clear flat, won at Cheltenham 3m 2f hcp (2) gs in Mar beating Cloudy Glen (11-7) by 6 1/2l, 21 ran.
Abbey Magic (IRE) 11-2 (10-10) Led until 1st, chased leaders, went 2nd before 7th, led 3 out, headed 2 out, weakened last, 5th of 8, 13 1/4l behind First Flow (11-1) at Ascot 2m 1f hcp (2) sft in Nov.
Demi Plie (IRE) 16-1 (11-9) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, pressed leader 2 out, ridden in 5th and slightly short of room entering straight, stayed on into 3rd last, kept on same pace run-in, 3rd of 17, 7 3/4l behind She's Commanche (10-5) at Leopardstown 2m 4f hcp Yielding in Mar.
Zarkareva (FR) 10-1 (10-13) Towards rear, progress after 5th, 3rd after 4 out, 4th 3 out, closed in 2nd before last where dropped to 3rd, one paced run-in, 3rd of 7, 12 1/4l behind I'm A Game Changer (11-4) at Thurles 2m 2f (1) Yielding in Mar.
