chased leaders, closer order approaching 6f out, 2nd approaching straight, challenged and on terms under 2f out, soon led and ridden clear from over 1f out, stayed on well, comfortably
waited with towards rear, 4th before straight, soon no impression under pressure
led and clear at stages, reduced lead from over 6f out, strongly pressed and joined from under 2f out, soon headed and no impression, kept on same pace
in touch towards rear, struggling in last approaching 4f out, soon no extra, tailed off
chased leaders, 5th and struggling approaching 4f out, soon no impression and kept on same pace from before straight
raced in 2nd, 3rd approaching straight, no impression and kept on same pace from over 2f out
MORNING ROYALTY showed some promise when held up on his first two runs but new tactics were employed at Punchestown where he made all for a spectacular 17l victory and a follow-up looks on the cards before he goes hurdling. Moscow Mannon is proving himself very useful and followed a summer victory at Galway with a comfortable success in what looked a strong field at Fairyhouse last month. The Cheltenham bumper will be on the agenda if he can concede weight all round here. Blue Bicycle won here in November but had his limitations exposed in a Grade 2 at Navan last month.
Moscow Mannon (IRE) 13-2 (11-7) Tracked leaders, progess into 2nd entering straight, led on outer 2f out, soon ridden, kept on well final furlong, won at Fairyhouse 2m N H flat sft in Dec beating Joxer (11-4) by 5l, 8 ran.
Blue Bicycle (USA) 20-1 (12-0) Tracked leaders, distant 5th halfway, ridden 4f out, soon weakened, tailed off, 6th of 7, well behind Don Cossack (11-11) at Navan 2m nat hunt flat Grade 2 (1) hvy in Dec.
Morning Royalty (IRE) 5-4fav (11-9) Made all, went clear from early straight, driven right out and kept on well, won at Punchestown 2m 4yo nhf in Dec beating Ted Veale (11-9) by 17l, 10 ran.
Courtncatcher (IRE) Catcher In The Rye gelding out of Tapneiram.
Sparianco (IRE) 33-1 (11-5) Waited with towards rear, ridden into moderate 4th before straight, moderate 3rd and kept on same pace from 2f out, 3rd of 10, 18l behind Mozoltov (12-0) at Thurles 2m N H flat hvy.
Casablanca Lily (IRE) Hurricane Run filly out of Lady Prominence.
