tracked leaders in 3rd, left 2nd 4 out, improved to challenge 2 out, led last, ridden and pressed early straight, kept on well final furlong
tracked leader in 2nd, improved to dispute before 4 out where fell
held up towards rear, left moderate 3rd 4 out, closer 2 out, ridden in 4th and no extra last, weakened entering straight
held up towards rear, left moderate 4th 4 out, closer 2 out, 3rd last, improved in 2nd entering straight, ridden to press leader early straight, no extra inside final furlong, kept on same pace
led, disputed briefly before 4 out, challenged 2 out, slight mistake and headed last, ridden and weakened, tailed off
HEAD OF THE POSSE didn't have a great deal to beat on his chasing debut at Ballinrobe but started odds-on and never gave his supporters a moment's anxiety. He looks just the type to run up a sequence and should go on to better things. Darceys Dancer is a good yardstick as he appeared to improve when runner-up behind Loosen My Load in a Grade 3 at Punchestown last time. However, a bigger threat should come from Realt Dubh, who made an impressive start to his chasing career when beaten Sweeps Hill at Navan last month and looks another potentially useful recruit. Salesin has been in good form and has competed at a high level but looks vulnerable.
Head Of The Posse (IRE) 4-6fav (11-12) Tracked leaders in 7th, progress 5 out, left close 3rd 3 out, 2nd and challenged 2 out, led before last, stayed on strongly, impressive, won at Ballinrobe 2m beg chs in Sep beating Spring The Que (11-9) by 14l, 14 ran.
Realt Dubh (IRE) 2-1fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, 6th halfway, headway 4 out, 2nd from next, led last, ridden clear, comfortably, won at Navan 2m 4f beg chs sft in Sep beating Sweeps Hill (11-12) by 2 1/2l, 17 ran.
Salesin 16-1 (10-10) Held up in rear, slight mistake 5th, ridden in rear 3 out, stayed on into 3rd and slight peck 2 out, no extra before last, kept on same pace, 3rd of 5, 4 1/2l behind Cornas (11-5) at Limerick 2m 1f chs Grd 3 (1) gd.
Son Of Oscar (IRE) 33-1 (11-12) Mid-division, headway into 6th 3 out, ridden in moderate 4th and no impression before 2 out, left 3rd, kept on one pace, 3rd of 13, 9l behind Bremen (11-12) at Tipperary 2m beg chs.
Blindspin 33-1 (11-0) Held up in 7th, raced keenly, ridden and weakened 3 out, tailed off, 6th of 8, well behind The Fonze (11-6) at Limerick 2m hdl gf in Jul.
Darceys Dancer (IRE) 6-1 (11-1) Tracked leaders in 3rd, left 2nd from 3rd, disputed lead briefly 5 out, driven along to keep in touch after 3 out, ridden from next, no impression from last, stayed on without threatening closing stages, 2nd of 4, 2 1/2l behind Loosen My Load (11-5) at Punchestown 2m 2f nov chs (1) gd.
