tracked leaders, 6th halfway, smooth headway on outer 4f out, led early straight, headed 1f out, kept on
prominent, 4th halfway, 3rd 4f out, ridden entering straight, kept on from 1 1/2f out
held up in touch, 9th halfway, 5th and headway entering straight, 2nd under 2f out, led 1f out, stayed on well
led, headed halfway, remained close up, 2nd 4f out, lost place entering straight, no extra 2f out
tracked leaders in 5th, progress 4f out, close 2nd approaching straight, no extra from 2f out
tracked leaders in 3rd, improved to lead approaching straight, headed over 2f out, no extra from over 1f out
mid-division, 8th and ridden 4f out, soon weakened
held up, 11th and ridden over 4f out, soon no extra
always behind, weakened from 5f out
held up towards rear, keen early, 10th and ridden over 4f out, kept on one pace straight
close 2nd, led halfway, headed and weakened quickly before straight
mid-division, 7th 5f out, no extra from 3f out
A strong finale but it could be the maiden allowance for AHYAKNOWYERSELF that just gives him the edge. An improver, Tony Mullins' charge wasn't suited by the slow pace when just touched off at Thurles and the likely stronger pace will suit. Rich Revival gained plenty of admirers when scoring nicely under a patient ride from Katie Walsh at Down Royal and can only improve while Willie John looked a fair prospect when beating a Willie Mullins hot-pot at Naas and is another certain to progress. The champion trainer is represented by Limerick winner Quaquo De Flotte, who scored despite looking in need of the experience and is certain to improve. Letter Of Credit enjoyed the step-up to 2m2f at Limerick and the testing conditions will play to his strengths while Castle Wings came with a strong late run to score in heavy ground at the same meeting and is another who will like the going. Black Benny gained a surprise victory at Thurles but there was no fluke about the success and he can go on from here.
Black Benny (IRE) 20-1 (11-9) Chased leaders, 5th halfway, good headway approaching straight, led 2f out, ridden clear over 1f out, kept on under pressure inside final furlong, won at Thurles 2m N H flat beating Flycorn (11-7) by 2 1/2l, 9 ran.
Castle Wings (IRE) 10-1 (12-0) Held up in rear, 13th 4f out, ridden along in 9th 3f out, good headway on outer straight, stayed on well to lead inside final furlong, won at Limerick 2m N H flat in Dec beating Around A Pound (11-7) by 1l, 16 ran.
Letter Of Credit (IRE) 7-1 (11-9) Held up in rear, headway into moderate 9th 5f out, went 3rd travelling well entering straight, ridden to lead under 1f out, kept on well, won at Limerick 2m 2f N H flat in Dec beating Allee Garde (12-0) by 2l, 14 ran.
Quaquo De Flotte (FR) 10-11fav (12-0) Held up in touch, closed to track leaders approaching straight, travelling well in 3rd 2f out, on terms over 1f out, soon led and ridden clear, won at Limerick 2m 3f N H flat sft in Nov beating Lady Olwyn (11-2) by 4l, 9 ran.
Rich Revival (IRE) 9-2 (12-0) Held up early, 7th halfway, headway in 5th 5f out, 3rd 3f out, ridden to challenge 2f out, led over 1f out, kept on well, won at Down Royal 2m N H flat hvy in Dec beating Fasolo (11-8) by 6l, 10 ran.
Willie John (IRE) 9-2 (12-0) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, headway in 2nd 2f out, ridden to challenge over 1f out, stayed on to narrow lead final 100 yards, kept on well under pressure, won at Naas 2m N H flat sft beating Tusa Eire (11-12) by nk, 5 ran.
Ahyaknowyerself (IRE) 10-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, went 3rd approaching straight, ridden to lead 2f out, soon strongly pressed, headed 100 yards out, kept on well under pressure, 2nd of 12, nk behind Under The Arch (11-2) at Thurles 2m 4yo nhf sft in Nov.
Allez Vic (IRE) 16-1 (11-7) Slowly into stride and in rear, some headway from 4f out, kept on same pace straight, 7th of 17, 21l behind Laganbank (11-7) at Killarney 2m 1f 4yo nhf sft in Jul.
Chiquilline (FR) Kapgarde gelding out of Sheyrinca.
Skibabe (IRE) Pilsudski gelding out of Furry Baby.
Penny Money (IRE) 20-1 (11-4) Never a factor, 8th of 15, well behind Quadrillon (11-12) at Cork 2m 4f mdn hdl hvy in Nov '09.
Billy Congo (IRE) 40-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders on inner, 4th 5f out, pushed along in 7th entering straight, soon no extra, kept on one pace, 6th of 10, 28l behind Waaheb (11-7) at Leopardstown 2m 4yo nhf sft.
