chased leader, closed after 5 out, ridden approaching straight, challenged and every chance 2 out, soon no impression, kept on same pace
chased leaders, closed from after 5 out, soon 4th, challenged and on terms 2 out, soon led, clear last, stayed on well, easily
towards rear, closer order after 5 out, soon 5th, challenged under pressure and every chance 2 out, soon no impression and kept on same pace
chased leaders, closer order but dropped to rear after 5 out, plenty to do when mistake and unseated rider 3 out
chased leaders, closer order after 5 out, soon 3rd, challenged and every chance 2 out, soon no impression under pressure, kept on same pace
led and clear, reduced lead after 5 out, strongly pressed and joined 2 out, soon headed and no extra, slight mistake last
A very strong turnout for the money but last year's winner Archie Boy may find ground conditions against him this time. APT APPROACH has competed at a high level throughout his career and didn't make his handicap debut until recently when, carrying a huge weight at Punchestown, he fell at the last when still in the lead. Compensation awaits here though Carthalawn, beaten three lengths by Big Zeb at Navan in November, would be unbeatable in that kind of form though he disappointed at Tramore on New Year's Day. Made In Taipan has been struggling against top opposition all year so this class will come as something of a relief and he rates a big threat.
Archie Boy (IRE) 5-1 (12-1) Chased leader in 2nd, ridden 3 out, no impression leader 2 out, kept on same pace, 2nd of 6, 11l behind Politeo (9-7) at Down Royal 2m 4f hcp chs gf.
Psycho (IRE) 7-2 (11-2) In rear, progress approaching straight, 5th 3 out, no impression under pressure in 4th and kept on same pace approaching last, 4th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Stonemaster (11-2) at Cork 2m 4f hdl in Mar.
Schelm (GER) 9-1 (11-3) Raced in 6th, mistakes 5th & 6th and dropped to rear, no threat from 4 out, 7th of 8, well behind Keelaghan (10-8) at Cork 2m hcp chs gd in Oct.
Apt Approach (IRE) 12-1 (10-11) Attempted to make all, hampered by loose horse before 6th, joined briefly 4 out, ridden and kept on from next, under pressure but still 1 length lead when fell last, in a race won by Scotsirish (11-10) at Punchestown 2m 4f Ext hcp ch gd, 14 ran.
Aran Concerto (IRE) 20-1 (11-3) Held up on outer towards rear, still rear but in touch 4 out, no impression early straight, kept on from before last without threatening, 6th of 14, 8l behind Scotsirish (11-10) at Punchestown 2m 4f Ext hcp ch gd.
Made In Taipan (IRE) 25-1 (11-3) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, ridden and no extra entering straight, 6th of 12, 12l behind Idarah (10-3) at Fairyhouse 2m 1f hcp chs gd in Apr.
Carthalawn (IRE) 5-2fav (11-12) Tracked leaders in 4th, blundered and dropped to rear 4th, pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Barker (11-12) at Tramore 2m 5f lst chs (1) hvy in Jan, 8 ran.
Leanne (IRE) 20-1 (10-1) Prominent, 2nd halfway, driven along in 3rd approaching 3 out, soon no extra, 8th of 14, 10l behind Scotsirish (11-10) at Punchestown 2m 4f Ext hcp ch gd.
