tracked leaders, 3rd when pecked badly 7th, slight mistake in rear next and reminders, no impression approaching straight, no extra from 3 out
tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, 4th before 4 out, no impression 2 out, no extra
led, headed after 3rd, led briefly 4 out, pushed along before 2 out and no impression in 3rd when slight mistake last, no extra
in rear, some progress into 3rd at 10th, went 2nd 2 out but soon no impression on winner, kept on one pace run-in
tracked leader, ran freely, led after 3rd, not fluent 9th and 10th, headed briefly 4 out, asserted after 2 out and kept on well run-in
Operating has a penalty for gaining his second victory over fences in a high class handicap at Punchestown in May. Willie Mullins runs both Jarry D'honneur, who won two of his three races over fences in minor company last season, and Tennis Cap, twice a winner over the bigger obstacles in the spring and the type to show major progress this campaign. Noble Emperor landed a Grade 2 novice event at Navan in February and though unable to cope when stepped up to the top class at Fairyhouse this represents a drop in grade. SMASHING (NAP) finished in front of him in that latter event and the Henry De Bromhead runner looks one to follow. This looks to be his trip and he can take advantage of weight concessions from his main rivals.
Operating (IRE) 12-1 (10-7) Tracked leader, 2nd halfway, progress to dispute 4 out and led next, under pressure and 1 length advantage last, kept on run-in, won at Punchestown 2m 5f hcp Good - Yielding in May beating Road To Riches (11-10) by 3/4l, 14 ran.
Noble Emperor (IRE) 20-1 (11-10) Held up and ran freely early, mistakes 5th and 9th, progress into 4th 4 out, ridden 3 out, no impression before next, no extra in 5th and mistake last, 5th of 8, 7 3/4l behind Gilgamboa (11-10) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f (1) Soft - Heavy in Apr.
Tennis Cap (FR) 5-2fav (11-10) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, progress to lead 2 out, ridden and kept on run-in, won at Killarney 2m 6f Yielding in May beating Shesaportrait (10-11) by 1 3/4l, 6 ran.
Followmeuptocarlow (IRE) 10-1 (11-3) 4th early, left closer from 4th, tracked leaders, pushed along approaching straight, chased winner from before last but no impression and mistake, one pace, 4th of 5, 6l behind Devils Bride (11-9) at Limerick 2m 4f Yielding in Oct.
Smashing (FR) 25-1 (11-10) Chased leaders, 2nd halfway, mistake 6 out, improved to dispute 3 out, ridden and slight mistake 2 out, headed run-in, no extra closing stages and dropped to 3rd, 3rd of 8, 2 3/4l behind Gilgamboa (11-10) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f (1) Soft - Heavy in Apr.
Jarry D'honneur (FR) 3-10fav (11-6) Soon tracked leader in 2nd, led from 4th, not fluent 3 out and again next, ridden approaching last, stayed on well run-in, comfortably, won at Navan 2m 1f hvy in Mar beating Toubaloo (11-6) by 5l, 5 ran.
