tracked leader, 3rd after 4th, 4th before 2 out, dropped to 5th 2 out, no impression in moderate 4th before last, one paced
chased leader, 4th after 4th, not fluent at 5th, progress in 3rd before 2 out, under pressure after 2 out, no extra in moderate 3rd run-in
rear of mid-division, dropped towards rear before 1st, not fluent at 2nd and 3rd, 6th after 4th, dropped to rear and detached before 2 out, weakened after 2 out
rear, progress before 2nd, 5th after 4th, progress to 4th 2 out where not fluent, dropped to moderate 5th before last, weakened
rear, 7th after 4th, niggled along after 5th, progress after 3 out, no impression in 6th 2 out, soon weakened, never a factor
made all, not fluent at 1st, reduced advantage after 5th, increased lead 2 out where not fluent, asserted before last, kept on well, comfortably
mid-division, progress before 2nd, 2nd after 4th, closed after 5th, no impression on leader after 2 out, kept on same pace run-in
CHOICE OF WORDS has the best bumper form, following up a Punchestown success in March with an excellent effort at the same venue when runner-up to Grangee at Grade 3 level. She handles the forecast soft ground and can make the most of the 9lb she receives from Sam's Choice. The latter revealed a battling attitude to land a first career success at Clonmel and, with fitness assured, rates a major threat. Derrylinda also receives plenty of weight and is shortlisted after showing plenty of ability in a couple of spring bumpers along with Explosive Boy, who shaped really well here recently after a 941-day absence.
Sam's Choice (IRE) 15-8fav (12-2) Led and disputed, ridden into narrow lead 2f out, headed 1 1/2f out, rallied to lead again inside final furlong, kept on well closing stages, won at Clonmel 2m 1f Good - Yielding in Sep beating State Of Honor (11-7) by 1 1/4l, 13 ran.
Explosive Boy (FR) 25-1 (12-0) Held up, towards rear halfway, progress in 9th before 2 out, ridden in 8th 2 out, stayed on into 5th entering straight, kept on run-in, no impression on leaders, 3rd of 17, 12 1/4l behind Blazing Khal (12-0) at Galway 2m 3f mdn sft in Oct.
Emperor Dani (IRE) 18-1 (12-0) Held up towards rear, ridden in rear 3f out, soon no impression, no extra 2f out, 7th of 8, 20l behind Ambitious Fellow (12-2) at Fairyhouse 2m gd in Oct.
Pyramid Hill (IRE) 28-1 (12-0) Rear of mid-division, slow jump 2nd, never a factor, 12th of 15, dist behind My Mate Mozzie (12-0) at Punchestown 2m mdn gd in Oct.
Rightful Mind 13-2 (12-2) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, disputed 6f out, 3rd 5f out, ridden in 4th 4f out, no extra 3f out, 6th of 10, dist behind Lispendense (12-2) at Ballinrobe 2m gd in Jul.
Choice Of Words 9-1 (11-11) Chased leaders, 5th halfway, ridden to press leaders 3f out, led 2 1/2f out, headed over 1f out, kept on same pace, 2nd of 14, 7l behind Grangee (11-11) at Punchestown 2m (1) Yielding in Apr.
Derrylinda (IRE) 11-1 (10-12) Mid-division on outer, ridden and no impression under 2f out, 7th 1f out, kept on one pace, 7th of 11, 8 1/4l behind Party Central (11-8) at Fairyhouse 2m lst (1) Yielding in Apr.
Freedom To Dream (FR) 8-1 (11-10) Chased leaders, close up from 3f out, ridden in 2nd 2f out, no impression on winner 1 1/2f out, kept on same pace, just held 2nd, 2nd of 9, 6l behind Appreciate It (12-0) at Leopardstown 2m 4f sft in Dec.
