tracked leaders, 4th 3 out, soon ridden, no impression on leaders from 2 out, kept on without threatening in moderate 3rd inside final furlong
made virtually all and narrow leader for much, joined 3 out, led again travelling well next, stayed on strongly run-in, easily
tracked leaders, went 3rd 3 out, soon ridden, no impression on leaders next, dropped to 4th inside final furlong
raced close 2nd for much, improved to dispute lead 3 out, ridden and headed next, no impression on winner run-in
tracked leaders, 3rd 4 out, soon ridden, weakened from next
held up in rear early, some progress 4 out, 5th next, soon ridden and no impression
always behind, no impression from 4 out, never a factor
always towards rear, no impression from 4 out, never a factor
After landing a maiden here in October, HENRY HIGGINS couldn't cope with Kitty Rock in a Group 3 at Naas but time may tell he was taking on a very smart rival. This is just as tough but he should be capable of better and gets the nod. Vote Of Confidence showed the benefit of his previous runs with a very promising victory over Alpha Des Obeaux at Cork. The runner-up has scored subsequently, though over a longer trip, so is no better off and the positions can be confirmed. Space Ship, a useful handicapper on the Flat for John Gosden, has been quite highly tried over hurdles without suggesting he could score at this level. Ange D'Or Javilex disappointed at times in bumpers but looked a natural over timber when making a successful debut at Limerick. He'll improve again as will Sizing John for his victory at Naas though both face stiffer tests. It's difficult to know what to make of Douvan, another expensive purchase from France. He landed a minor event at Compiegne in June and has no fancy entries but is obviously one to keep a close eye on.
Ange D'Or Javilex (FR) 2-1fav (11-0) Soon tracked leaders in 5th, took keen hold, 4th approaching straight, challenged between horses approaching 2 out and soon led, strongly pressed from before last where veered left, asserted run-in and stayed on well, won at Limerick 2m cond mdn hdl beating Nimdani (11-0) by 5l, 14 ran.
Douvan (FR) (10-7) won at Compiegne(FR) 2m 1f 4yo hdl sft in Jun beating Endio (10-7) by 2 1/2l, 16 ran.
Henry Higgins (IRE) 7-2 (10-13) Held up, moderate 4th from 2nd, closed 3 out, 3rd and not fluent 2 out, edged left before last where 2nd, no impression and one pace run-in, 2nd of 5, 8l behind Kitten Rock (11-3) at Naas 2m hdl Grade 3 (1) sft.
Sizing John 5-2fav (11-4) Prominent in 2nd, travelled well to lead 2 out, pushed along before last, kept on well, comfortably, won at Naas 2m 4yo mdn hdl beating Phil's Magic (11-7) by 2l, 11 ran.
Vote Of Confidence (USA) 7-1 (11-7) Prominent, soon raced in 3rd, challenged 2 out, soon led, stayed on well run-in, won at Cork 2m 4yo mdn hdl in Oct beating Alpha Des Obeaux (11-7) by 1 3/4l, 15 ran.
Modem 9-2 (11-7) Towards rear, mistake at 1st and unseated jockey, in a race won by Sizing John (11-4) at Naas 2m 4yo mdn hdl, 11 ran.
Snakes And Ladders (IRE) 33-1 (11-4) Towards rear, 8th halfway, pushed along after 3 out, driven in 6th after 2 out, no impression after last, 6th of 11, 13l behind Sizing John (11-4) at Naas 2m 4yo mdn hdl.
Space Ship 14-1 (10-12) Settled in rear, improved in 3rd before 2 out and soon ridden, no impression from before last and kept on same pace run-in, 4th of 5, 12l behind Mckinley (11-2) at Navan 2m nov hdl Grd 3 (1) sft.
Alpha Des Obeaux (FR) 4-6fav (11-7) Chased leader, challenged on inner from after 2 out, led before last, pushed out to assert run-in, easily,, won at Punchestown 2m 4f 4yo mdn hdl sft beating Altiepix (11-4) by 9l, 11 ran.
