chased leaders, 3rd halfway, mistake 6th, dropped to 8th after 4 out, behind when pulled up before next
always prominent, led from 3rd, pressed approaching 3 out, headed under pressure before next, soon no impression, kept on one pace, lost 2nd close home
held up towards rear, 7th 4 out, no extra approaching next, behind when pulled up before 2 out
always behind, pulled up before 5th
led early, headed 3rd, ridden along approaching next, soon lost place, behind when blundered and unseated rider 4 out
mid-division, 7th halfway, went 4th approaching 3 out, soon no extra, kept on one pace
tracked leaders, 5th halfway, improved into 3rd approaching 3 out, no chance with winner from next, kept on under pressure to get 2nd close home
prominent, close 2nd halfway, ridden and dropped to 5th approaching 3 out, no extra and kept on one pace
chased leaders, 4th halfway, no extra in 6th approaching 3 out
held up towards rear, improved into 6th halfway, went 2nd travelling well approaching 3 out, led before next, soon clear, very easily
Fosters Cross was in superb form at this time a year ago but has never really recovered from unshipping Robbie Power when looking a threat to Tataniano in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham in November. Banna Man and Arkendale finished 1-2 in a Galway handicap in August but both will need to improve against progressive rivals who include BACHELOR AFFAIR. Gerard Mullins' front-runner jumped really well when landing the odds in a beginners' race at Tramore and begins his handicap career over fences on a decent enough mark. The Dew At Night showed enough in six starts over the bigger obstacles last season to suggest he can do well this season and a long absence is usually no problem for this yard's runners.
Fosters Cross (IRE) 14-1 (10-6) Soon towards rear, no danger when pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Alfa Beat (10-10) at Listowel 3m Handicap (4yo) (1) gd in Sep, 18 ran.
Sizing Africa (IRE) 5-1 (10-9) Chased leaders, ridden in 6th approaching 3 out, soon no impression, 6th of 9, 28l behind Keys Pride (10-3) at Cork 2m Ext hcp ch gd in Oct '09.
Reisk Superman (IRE) 8-1 (11-5) Always towards rear, 15th of 18, 47l behind Gonebeyondrecall (11-1) at Listowel 2m 3f Handicap Chase (4yo+) gd in Sep.
Some Touch (IRE) 16-1 (10-12) Always towards rear, 12th of 14, well behind Banna Man (9-3) at Galway 2m 1f hcp chs gf in Aug.
Holly Tree (IRE) 25-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, 6th halfway, ridden into 4th 3 out, no extra in 5th entering straight, kept on one pace, 7th of 18, 19l behind Gonebeyondrecall (11-1) at Listowel 2m 3f Handicap Chase (4yo+) gd in Sep.
Arkendale (IRE) 16-1 (10-0) Mid-division, 10th halfway, headway into 7th before 2 out, ridden into 4th last, 3rd entering straight, kept on into 2nd run-in, not reach winner, 2nd of 14, 2l behind Banna Man (9-3) at Galway 2m 1f hcp chs gf in Aug.
Banna Man (IRE) 10-1 (11-2) Mid-division best, no extra from 3 out, weakened, 12th of 17, well behind Salute Him (11-10) at Listowel 2m hcp hdl 8Evens09 gd in Sep.
Bachelor Affair 9-10fav (11-12) Led, headed before 5th, led again 3 out, narrowly headed after 2 out, back in front and good jump last, stayed on well to draw clear close home, won at Tramore 2m beg chs fm in Aug beating Boujis Bhoys (11-12) by 2 1/2l, 10 ran.
The Dew At Night 9-2 (10-0) Tracked leaders in 5th, smooth headway into 2nd approaching 2 out, led before last, soon ridden and strongly pressed, headed 100 yards from finish, kept on well, 2nd of 11, 3/4l behind The Bosses Nephew (10-1) at Naas 2m Ext hcp ch hvy in Feb.
Jigalo (IRE) 6-1 (10-11) Mid-division, closed 4 out, 3rd 2 out, chased winner under pressure last, no extra and kept on same pace run-in, 3rd of 11, 6l behind Having A Cut (11-2) at Roscommon 2m 5f hcp chs in Sep.
