tracked leader in 2nd, closed on leader 2 out, progress to lead approaching straight, mistake at last, ridden and kept on well, all out
settled 3rd, 4th after 1st, not fluent 3 out, driven after 2 out, ridden in 3rd approaching straight, no impression on leaders before last, kept on same pace
raced 4th, 3rd after 1st, closed on leader 2 out, ridden in 2nd approaching straight, not fluent at last, kept on well run-in, just failed
held up 5th, not fluent at 4th, detached 4 out, ridden before last, kept on one pace, never a factor
led, jumped left at 1st, 3 lengths clear at 4th, reduced advantage 2 out, ridden and headed approaching straight, soon dropped to 4th, no extra
TEMPO MAC had Plinth a long way behind in a beginners' chase at Tramore last week so it's a surprise to see him back over hurdles. Gordon Elliott's charge made a few mistakes that day so must be having a confidence-booster here. Plinth has been competing at a high level over hurdles for a long time and has won six times but he hasn't been running well and may have to settle for the runner-up spot. Killer Crow, a stablemate of the selection, is another seemingly attempting to rekindle enthusiasm after several moderate efforts over fences though all have been in very tough handicaps and it would be no shock if he ran well on his return to the smaller obstacles. Rich Coast alternates between hurdles and fences but hasn't been in the best of form over either and Love Rory is a cross-country performer.
Plinth (IRE) 6-1 (11-12) Not fluent 1st, soon towards rear, under pressure from 3 out, soon no impression, 8th of 11, 27 1/2l behind Tempo Mac (11-12) at Tramore 2m gd in Aug.
Tempo Mac (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Mistake 1st, soon chased leaders, mistake 7th, pushed along in 4th approaching 2 out, on terms between last 2, gained narrow lead and kept on well run-in, won at Tramore 2m gd in Aug beating Our Dougal (11-12) by hd, 11 ran.
Killer Crow (IRE) 11-1 (9-10) Towards rear, some headway after 3 out, no impression before next, kept on same pace, 11th of 22, 24 3/4l behind Lord Scoundrel (10-7) at Galway 2m 7f hcp (1) Yielding in Jul.
Love Rory (IRE) 33-1 (11-4) Tracked leader to 21st, soon lost place behind when pulled up after 24th, at Cheltenham 3m 6f (2) gd in Mar.
Rich Coast 9-2 (10-9) Led when fell at 1st, at Tipperary 2m 4f hcp gd in Jul.
