chased leader, slight mistake 3rd, 4th halfway, closer 3 out and mistake next, pushed along and no impression entering straight, left moderate 3rd last, no extra run-in
led and soon clear, 6 lengths lead halfway, slight mistake 4 out and headed next, slight mistake 2 out, 3rd and ridden before straight, soon no impression, left moderate 2nd last, ridden and kept on well run-in, just failed
chased leader, 2nd halfway, headway 4 out and led next, travelled well and asserted early straight, 6 lengths clear when mistake and unseated rider last
towards rear, mistake 4th, detached when mistake and unseated rider next
chased leader, 3rd halfway, closer 3 out and went 2nd after next, ridden and no impression on clear leader approaching last, left in clear lead at last, kept on, ridden and reduced advantage closing stages, just held on
always rear, never a factor, detached when slight mistake 5th, no extra after 4 out, well behind when fell 2 out
Mattie's Mountain, three times a winner over hurdles, earned a rating of 121 when a close second in a Listowel handicap in September so has to carry top weight. He's had a break since running poorly at Fairyhouse in November and his rider's claim is a major plus. IRISH BLAZE's second to Limerick Lace at Down Royal was boosted when the winner completed a double in a much better class race. He pulled hard when attempting to make all in a Gowran handicap and had just been headed when unseating at the last. Brideswell Lad completed a handicap double in the summer and was returning from a break over a trip too short at Fairyhouse in January. Tyre Kicker has also completed a double in handicaps though may not be as effective on quicker ground.
Mattie's Mountain (IRE) 9-2 (11-5) Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, no impression in 4th when fell 2 out, at Fairyhouse 2m sft in Nov.
Irish Blaze (IRE) 10-1 (11-5) Tracked leader, a little keen, led and clear with rival before 3rd, asserted after 3rd, clear before 4th where not fluent, reduced lead at 10th, headed before 3 out, led 2 out, headed last where unseated rider, at Gowran Park 2m 4f hcp Soft - Heavy in Feb.
Brideswell Lad (IRE) 11-1 (11-6) Tracked leaders, pushed along in 4th 3 out, ridden in 3rd 2 out, no impression on leaders before last, 5th of 10, 19 1/2l behind Shakeytry (11-12) at Fairyhouse 2m 1f hcp sft in Jan.
Commandingpresence (IRE) 40-1 (11-5) Rear, 6th before 5th, dropped to rear at 7th, soon reminders, detached and under pressure 4 out, weakened, pulled up before 3 out, at Limerick 2m 2f Soft - Heavy in Dec.
Tyre Kicker (FR) 15-8fav (11-11) In touch in rear, progress 5 out, went 2nd travelling well 2 out, disputed lead before last, pushed along and led at last, stayed on well under hands and heels inside final furlong, comfortably, won at Fairyhouse 3m 1f hcp sft in Jan beating Made In The Woods (10-3) by 1 3/4l, 8 ran.
Bal De Rio (FR) 16-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, pushed along entering straight, ridden and no extra after 2 out, 11th of 16, 15 1/4l behind Luimneach (11-6) at Naas 2m hcp Yielding in Feb.
