tracked leader in 2nd, slight mistake 6th and not entirely fluent next, led 2 out, stayed on well to draw clear run-in, easily
waited with in 5th, closer order 4 out, no impression when mistake 2 out, no extra after
led, jumped a little left 2nd, headed next, soon raced in 3rd, a little awkward 5 out, pushed along in 4th before 2 out, soon no extra
raced in 4th, improved after 3 out, 3rd next, in pursuit of winner in 2nd from before straight, no impression and kept on same pace run-in
tracked leaders, led 3rd, jumped a bit slow at 7th, headed 2 out, soon weakened
waited with last of the 6, slight mistake 7th, closer order 4 out, went moderate 3rd before last, kept on one pace
BAND OF BLOOD was impressive when landing a Limerick maiden in May but made too many mistakes when attempting a double at Ballinrobe three weeks later. He'll have been given intensive schooling and may be too good for these. Flanagans Field gained his only success on fast ground at Kilbeggan and has struggled in softer conditions while though Fantastic Gold won over fences at Thurles, he has never scored in 18 starts over timber. Glenconkeyne gained a surprise victory here in August after being beaten in a seller but he's lightly raced and should improve enough to take a hand. Top Cat Henry is running well enough to be considered in an open contest and will love the trip and conditions.
Band Of Blood (IRE) 7-4fav (11-10) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, close up and mistake 3 out, travelled well to challenge after 2 out, ridden before straight, no extra in 3rd entering straight, kept on same pace, 3rd of 7, 17l behind Hunting Party (11-7) at Ballinrobe 2m 4f hdl sft in May.
Flanagans Field (IRE) 12-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, ridden in 4th before straight, weakened before 2 out, 6th of 7, 37l behind Silver Tassie (11-12) at Clonmel 2m 4f nh nov hdl sft.
Glenconkeyne (IRE) 16-1 (11-0) Mid-division, 8th 3 out, ridden in 6th entering straight, close up at last, stayed on well to lead close home, won at Galway 2m 2f in Aug beating Green Thirty Two (10-7) by 1/2l, 17 ran.
Paudi The Punter (IRE) 16-1 (9-10) Chased leaders early, lost place 5 out, pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by The Crafty Butcher (11-3) at Listowel 2m 4f hcp hdl in Sep, 18 ran.
Top Cat Henry (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, headway into 2nd before straight, led entering straight, ridden and challenged before 2 out, headed last, no extra run-in, kept on same pace, 2nd of 7, 2 1/2l behind Silver Tassie (11-12) at Clonmel 2m 4f nh nov hdl sft.
Fantastic Gold 9-2 (11-0) Towards rear, 6th at 7th, pushed along and progress from before 4 out, 4th next, almost on terms in 3rd 2 out, challenged and disputed lead last, stayed on well to edge ahead closing stages, won at Thurles 2m 2f Mares Chase (5yo+) gd beating Caoimhe's Delight (11-2) by nk, 8 ran.
