ducked left at start and lost considerable ground at start, trailing until pulled up before 5th
raced mostly 3rd, went 2nd from 9th, dropped to poor 3rd from 3 out, trailing straight
made all, went clear and in command travelling well before 2 out, pushed out run-in and tiring close home
raced 4th and jumped left throughout, under pressure from 3rd and soon tailed off, continued completely tailed off from halfway
raced mostly 2nd, 3rd from 9th until regained 2nd 3 out, soon ridden and no impression on winner, closed on winner run-in but never threatened
Mouse Morris has a promising stayer in RATHLIN, who made all for a very convincing victory over the C&D last time. A wind operation appears to have transformed him and a follow-up looks on the cards. Banjaxed Girl won a Listed contest at Sandown for Nigel Twiston-Davies on this day a year ago and she showed real promise on her debut for new connections here on New Year's Day. She didn't get far on her next start but should give a good account of herself. Action Master hasn't kicked on from his debut success over fences though he probably found 3m stretching his stamina at Clonmel while Friendly Society created a shock at Limerick though the runner-up has since let the form down.
Friendly Society (IRE) 20-1 (11-12) Waited with, 9th approaching 7 out, improved to chase leaders 3 out, 4th before straight, 3rd before 2 out, chased leader approaching last, stayed on best to catch tying up winner on line, won at Limerick 2m 1f beg chs hvy in Dec beating Shane Rock (11-12) by ns, 12 ran.
Monastrell 25-1 (10-7) Chased leaders early, 8th halfway, lost place 5 out, ridden and weakened next, pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Seabass (10-7) at Leopardstown 2m 5f Ext hcp ch in Jan, 22 ran.
Rathlin 6-4fav (11-12) Always prominent and raced keenly, led from before 3rd, kept on well in straight and left well clear after last, won at Fairyhouse 2m 5f beg chase in Jan beating Aitmatov (11-12) by 17l, 13 ran.
Wherearewegoinow (IRE) 14-1 (11-7) Towards rear, 12th 5 out, soon no impression, 8th of 16, well behind Count Salazar (11-7) at Limerick 2m 6f hts chs hvy in Dec.
Banjaxed Girl 13-2 (10-11) Prominent, fell 7th, in a race won by Knockfierna (11-3) at Thurles 2m 4f mrs nov chs Gr3 (1) sft in Jan, 9 ran.
Action Master 5-2fav (11-1) Raced last of the 6, mistakes 5th and 6th, pushed along approaching 6 out, soon 5th, 4th 3 out, no impression & kept on same pace from before straight, 4th of 6, 23l behind Gala Dancer (11-5) at Clonmel 3m nov chs gd in Sep.
