Dovlator landed a Down Royal maiden on good going in the summer and has produced two fine runs on similar ground subsequently. He'll need to prove he acts in the conditions unlike SPANISH HARLEM, a winner on heavy going at Auteuil in June who wasn't punished on his debut for Willie Mullins behind two smart performers at Gowran once his chance has gone. A tenuous line through the runner-up gives him every chance of beating Three Card Brag though the latter improved when beaten just a neck over this trip in a Naas Grade 2 and is unlikely to go down without a fight.
Dovlator (IRE) 18-1 (11-10) Tracked leaders, 5th 3 out, soon ridden, moderate 4th and no impression on winner at last, went 2nd inside final furlong, kept on one pace, 2nd of 10, 6 1/2l behind Landrake (11-12) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f Good - Yielding in Dec.
Spanish Harlem (FR) 11-8fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, soon 2nd, 3rd when not fluent 3 out, pushed along before next, no impression in 3rd when slight mistake last, pushed out and kept on one pace, 3rd of 8, 4 1/4l behind Inothewayurthinkin (11-12) at Gowran Park 2m hvy in Nov.
The Gradual Slope (IRE) 13-2 (11-3) In touch, 4th halfway, lost place before 2 out, progress and ridden in 5th before last, no extra run-in, 6th of 12, 10 3/4l behind Green Glory (10-12) at Leopardstown 2m 4f hcp sft in Dec.
Three Card Brag (IRE) 9-4 (11-3) Tracked leader in 2nd, slight mistake 5th, disputed lead next (usual 4 out), close 2nd entering straight, ridden bypassing in close 3rd on outer 2 out, soon 2nd, stayed on well final furlong, strongly pressed winner to line, 2nd of 6, nk behind Inthepocket (11-3) at Naas 2m 4f (1) sft in Dec.
Time To Rocco (IRE) 16-1 (10-13) Rear of mid-division, progress to 5th halfway, 6th before 2 out, under pressure after 2 out, weakened quickly before last, 10th of 12, 36 3/4l behind Green Glory (10-12) at Leopardstown 2m 4f hcp sft in Dec.
Maggie Walsh (IRE) 17-2 (11-3) Mid-division, 6th halfway, headway to dispute 3 out, headed next, pushed along in 2nd entering straight, ridden and no impression in 3rd at last, no extra, 5th of 22, 8l behind Little Mixup (12-6) at Punchestown 2m hcp Soft - Heavy in Dec.
