tracked leaders, went 2nd 4 out, soon pushed along, under pressure and plenty to do in 2nd 2 out, pressed winner and good jump last, stayed on well to lead near line
led, headed 3rd, slight mistake 5th, led again from 9th, clear from 4 out, ridden and reduced advantage 2 out, kept on well run-in, headed near line
tracked leaders, pushed along 8th, weakened to last 4 out, soon trailing, pulled up before next
held up towards rear, fell 3rd
held up in last, went 4th 4 out, soon ridden, moderate 3rd entering straight, kept on one paced in moderate 3rd from 2 out
prominent, led from 3rd, slight mistake 6th, headed 9th, dropped to 3rd and ridden 4 out, soon remote 4th, continued behind
The brilliant SIZING EUROPE has been a short-priced favourite for this in the past three years and won them all. This is his trip and ground as he showed when gaining his eighth Grade 1 victory in the Champion Chase at Punchestown in April which was thought to be his last run. He's back for more and can gain his fourth victory in the event as Baily Green, who wasn't far behind last year, was beaten eight lengths at Punchestown and looks held. Road To Riches is a very high-class chaser at his best as he showed when landing the Galway Plate in very impressive fashion from Burn And Turn, who was receiving 6lb and has since been beaten easily at Listowel. Noel Meade's charge is taking on the best here but looks certain to be involved in the top staying events this campaign and will prove difficult to beat in receipt of 4lb.
Sizing Europe (IRE) 7-1 (11-12) Always prominent, led after 3 out, soon ridden clear, stayed on well from last, won at Punchestown 2m chs G1 (1) gd in Apr beating Ballynagour (11-12) by 6l, 8 ran.
Road To Riches (IRE) 14-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, 2nd from 3rd, led before 4th, clear with chasing horse from 5th, reduced advantage before 2 out, asserted last, ridden and kept on strongly straight, comfortably, won at Galway 2m 6f hcap ch gd in Jul beating Burn And Turn (10-5) by 11l, 22 ran.
Baily Green (IRE) 8-11fav (11-2) Close up, mainly 2nd, led 6 out, went clear from before 2 out, stayed on well run-in, comfortably, won at Killarney 2m 4f chs in May beating Lambro (11-2) by 9l, 5 ran.
Lucky William (IRE) 25-1 (11-0) Always rear, not fluent 1st, detached after 3 out, tailed off, last of 8, well behind Simenon (11-0) at Tipperary 2m hdl Grd 3 (1) gd in Jul.
Burn And Turn (IRE) 8-1 (10-11) Mid-division on outer when mistake 1st, ridden in 10th 4 out, no impression, 12th of 18, 38l behind Your Busy (9-12) at Listowel 3m hcap ch gd in Sep.
Dazzling Susie (IRE) 12-1 (10-8) Soon led and clear, reduced lead and slightly slow jump last, soon pressed, stayed on well final furlong, headed close home, 2nd of 7, 1 1/4l behind Coldstonesober (9-12) at Galway 2m 1f hcp chs gd in Sep.
