tracked leaders and took keen hold, 4th halfway, 5th 3 out, ridden from 2 out, headway into 2nd at last, kept on same pace run-in
held up in rear, no impression after 3 out, never a factor
tracked leaders in 3rd, improved into 2nd 2 out, ridden to lead before last, stayed on well under pressure run-in
led, ridden and strongly pressed 2 out, headed before last and soon weakened quickly, no impression run-in
held up in rear, slight mistake 2nd, headway into 5th entering straight, ridden in 5th 2 out, no impression
tracked leader in 2nd, ridden in 3rd 2 out, kept on same pace from before last
tracked leader in 2nd, ridden in 3rd 2 out, kept on same pace from before last
mid-division, closer in 4th 3 out, ridden in 4th 2 out, no impression
Witness Of Fashion was receiving 26lb when beating the prolific Poormans Hill over the course and distance in November, his second victory on the track, but has struggled subsequently. Whats In It For Me has shown only occasional ability under Rules and though well supported at Tramore last time dropped away quickly after a blunder three out. FLEMENSTORM bounced back to form when only just failing to concede Mystic Embarr 15lb in a battle to the line over 2m7f here last month with a subsequent winner well back in third. He can go one better though Nicole's Milan looks certain to make a bold bid on his handicap debut over fences after a very good run in a beginners' chase at Punchestown. Mister First has won five times over fences though not since completing a double on fast going in 2016. Aranhill Rascal isn't the most consistent and is still 9lb higher than his only victory over fences.
Flemenstorm (IRE) 20-1 (11-2) Held up in rear, progress on outer before 3 out, improved to dispute lead entering straight, soon ridden, strongly pressed at last, headed and no extra close home, 2nd of 14, 3/4l behind Mystic Embarr (9-11) at Fairyhouse 2m 7f hcp hvy in Jan.
Mister First (FR) 7-1 (11-8) Tracked leaders, bumped by rival at 5th, 4th halfway, headway before 4 out and led 3 out, headed next and dropped to 4th before last, kept on one pace, 4th of 7, 6l behind Blue Empyrean (11-11) at Down Royal 2m 4f hcp hvy in Jan.
Nicole's Milan (IRE) 5-6fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, 3rd from 5th, on terms from 10th, headed and not go with winner straight until closed last, soon every chance again and switched right run-in, kept on without matching winner, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Goodthynemilan (11-5) at Punchestown 2m 6f hvy in Jan.
Asitsohappens (IRE) 14-1 (9-13) Led and disputed, headed and mistake 5th, ridden entering straight, close up and challenging 2 out, no extra before last, kept on one pace, 5th of 7, 12 1/4l behind Wishmoor (11-1) at Naas 2m 4f hcp Soft - Heavy in Jan.
Aranhill Rascal (IRE) 14-1 (10-13) Mid-division, 7th when fell 4 out, at Punchestown 2m 4f hcp Soft - Heavy in Jan.
Witness Of Fashion (IRE) 8-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, jumped right 1st, 7th halfway, ridden and no impression 3 out, no extra before next, 6th of 14, 19 3/4l behind The Informer (11-4) at Down Royal 2m 4f hcp hvy in Dec.
Flathertys Gap (IRE) 20-1 (10-11) Towards rear, mistake 5th and reminders, 9th before 6 out and ridden in 7th from 3 out, soon no extra and kept on same pace from next, 6th of 12, dist behind The Grey Guy (10-11) at Limerick 2m 5f hcp hvy in Dec.
Whats In It For Me (IRE) 7-2fav (11-5) Held up, 7th halfway, ridden towards rear 3 out, soon weakened, pulled up before 2 out, at Tramore 2m 5f hcp hvy in Jan.
