soon mid-division, 5th after 4 out, no impression under pressure and kept on same pace from next
waited with towards rear, not fluent 4 out, closer in 6th after 4 out, 4th next, soon no impression, moderate 3rd and kept on same pace approaching last
chased leaders, 4th after 4 out, 3rd and no impression from next, dropped to moderate and kept on same pace approaching last
soon towards rear, closer in 7th after 4 out, kept on same pace under pressure without threatening from next
soon towards rear, trailing 7 out, soon no impression, tailed off
prominent, no extra 5 out, not fluent 4 out, soon no extra, tailed off
tracked leaders, went 2nd travelling well after 4 out, on terms going best 3 out, led approaching last, stayed on well along stands rail run-in, comfortably
soon mid-division, 7th approaching 6 out, no extra from 4 out, pulled up before 2 out
led, joined approaching 6th, headed approaching 6 out, slight mistake next, ridden after 4 out, soon lost place and no impression
prominent, on terms approaching 6th, led approaching 6 out, clear from before 4 out, ridden into straight, joined 3 out, headed approaching last, kept on without matching winner run-in
rear of mid-division, moderate 8th and no extra after 4 out, tailed off
With five victories over hurdles to his credit CARLITO BRIGANTE makes his debut over fences and can make a winning start. Gordon Elliott's charge, last year's Coral Cup winner, was pulled up when attempting to win this year's event at Cheltenham but he hasn't had much racing in the past year and everything points to him being a decent chaser. Pride Of The Artic looks a big threat as he made a very promising start over fences when just beaten by Corskeagh Royale at Ballinrobe and that winner could prove to be useful. Awkward Moment couldn't get to grips with Archie Meade at Sligo after scoring at Thurles and can go well providing his jumping holds up as he holds Headford Flyer on that run at Thurles and the latter is closely matched with Hidden Diamond on their run at Clonmel last month.
Awkward Moment (IRE) 11-4 (11-0) Tracked leaders, ridden into 3rd approaching straight, no impression when slight peck last, kept on same pace run-in, 3rd of 9, 7l behind Archie Meade (11-10) at Sligo 2m 4f hdl gd.
Headford Flyer (IRE) 11-2 (11-12) Soon chased leaders, moderate 5th before 2 out, ridden in pursuit of winner approaching last, soon closed, led and stayed on well run-in, won at Wexford 2m 3f beg chase gf in Apr beating Mayo Mystique (11-0) by 1 1/4l, 13 ran.
Heavenly Brook (IRE) 16-1 (11-12) Always prominent, in front 3 out, clear from before next, a bit slow last 2, stayed on well, won at Fairyhouse 2m 6f beg chase gd in Apr beating Lord Redsgirth (11-12) by 12l, 16 ran.
Hidden Diamond (IRE) 9-1 (11-7) Held up in touch, ridden in 5th on outer 2f out, improved to lead inside final furlong, stayed on well, won at Clonmel 2m 4f beg chase gd in Apr beating Headford Flyer (11-12) by 1/2l, 9 ran.
Zardsky (IRE) 20-1 (11-6) Led or disputed lead, headed 4 out, no extra after next, weakened and pulled up before last, in a race won by Tofino Bay (11-12) at Punchestown 2m 4f hdl hvy in Apr, 11 ran.
Blood Diamond (IRE) 33-1 (11-12) Chased leader, 2nd halfway, ridden 3 out, no extra before next, 8th of 13, 40l behind Devil's Elbow (11-5) at Down Royal 2m 4f beg chase gf.
Carlito Brigante (IRE) 16-1 (11-12) In touch, outpaced 6th, soon behind, pulled up before last, in a race won by Son Of Flicka (10-6) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp hdl Grade 3 (1) gd in Mar, 28 ran.
Linnel (IRE) 12-1 (10-7) Chased leaders early, mid-division halfway, headway into 4th 5 out, ridden and no extra 3 out, 9th of 17, 32l behind Lucky William (11-10) at Fairyhouse 2m 1f nov chs gs in Apr.
Pride Of The Artic (IRE) 7-1 (11-12) Led and disputed, headed before 3 out, rallied and in front again at last, kept on well run-in, headed close home, 2nd of 14, nk behind Corskeagh Royale (11-12) at Ballinrobe 2m 6f beg chase gd.
Catcherinscratcher (IRE) 100-1 (10-11) Led until after 1st, pressed leader until left in lead 4th, headed next, ridden 9th, weakening when mistake next, pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Lovcen (11-4) at Aintree 3m nov hdl Grade 1 (1) gd in Apr, 19 ran.
Luna Runner (IRE) 12-1 (11-5) Mid-division, 9th halfway, no danger and kept on same pace from 6 out, 8th of 13, 47l behind Headford Flyer (11-12) at Wexford 2m 3f beg chase gf in Apr.
