tracked leaders, 3rd 3 out, improved to lead next, ridden and headed entering straight, kept on same pace in 2nd run-in
tracked leaders, slight mistakes 4th and 6th, went 3rd 2 out, soon ridden, no impression before last
disputed lead, ridden and headed 2 out, soon weakened quickly, eased run-in
held up in rear, slight mistakes, last and slight mistake again 3 out, ridden from next, progress into 4th entering straight, 3rd at last, kept on same pace run-in
tracked leaders, close 4th 3 out, improved to lead travelling well on inner entering straight, ridden clear at last, stayed on well run-in
slowly into stride and held up in rear, close enough 6th 3 out, ridden after 2 out, 5th entering straight, kept on without threatening to go 4th after last
disputed lead, pushed along after 3 out, headed and ridden next, soon weakened
Willie Mullins has won the last three and has a trio of entries this time. Net D'Ecosse is something of an unknown having had just two runs in France but the form of his third place at Auteuil in September has been boosted by victories from the runner-up and fourth. Outlander looked like beating Martello Tower when the pair met in a Limerick Grade 3 over three miles but just got outstayed in the closing stages so this shorter trip should be to his advantage. Killultagh Vic is Ruby's choice and he reverts to this trip after failing to hold the classy L'Ami Serge over the minimum at Ascot. Windsor Park has now won his last five races and though he's beaten little of real note he does just enough and the step up in grade shouldn't trouble him. The 5lb he receives from NO MORE HEROES is a bonus but Gordon Elliott's charge has to be the selection after his battling victory over the odds-on Shaneshill at Navan - he can enhance his growing reputation.
Martello Tower (IRE) 5-2 (11-6) Disputed lead early, tracked leader, slight mistake 4th, on terms after 3 out, soon led, pressed and joined 2 out, narrowly headed between last 2, rallied to lead again near finish, won at Limerick 3m nov hdl Grd 3 (1) hvy in Dec beating Outlander (11-0) by nk, 3 ran.
No More Heroes (IRE) 3-1 (11-3) Soon chased leader in 2nd, challenged 3 out, ridden 2 out, under pressure in close 2nd before last, stayed on to lead run-in, kept on well closing stages, won at Navan 2m 4f nov hdl G2 (1) in Dec beating Shaneshill (11-3) by 1 3/4l, 5 ran.
Hurry Henry (IRE) 3-1 (11-9) Always prominent, on terms halfway, led from 6f out, clear under 2f out, stayed on well final furlong, easily, won at Cork 2m NH flat hvy beating Tully East (11-5) by 16l, 11 ran.
Killultagh Vic (IRE) 5-2 (11-7) Led, tried to quicken before 2 out, headed 2 out, chased winner, ridden and readily outpaced between last 2, 2nd of 3, 7l behind L'ami Serge (11-7) at Ascot 2m nov hdl G2 (1) sft in Dec.
Outlander (IRE) 8-11fav (11-0) Tracked leaders, a little keen, 2nd straight, challenged 2 out and slight mistake, gained narrow lead between last 2, one pace run-in and headed near finish, 2nd of 3, nk behind Martello Tower (11-6) at Limerick 3m nov hdl Grd 3 (1) hvy in Dec.
Windsor Park (IRE) 6-4fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, progress into 2nd approaching last, led run-in and kept on well, won at Leopardstown 2m 4f mdn hdl sft in Dec beating Royal Caviar (11-12) by 2 1/2l, 13 ran.
Net D'Ecosse (FR) (10-7) 3rd of 10, 6l behind Aux Ptits Soins (10-12) at Auteuil(FR) 2m 1f 4yo hdl sft in Sep.
Shantou Flyer (IRE) 16-1 (10-13) Disputed early, soon led, slight mistake 6th, ridden and challenged 3 out, headed after 2 out, no extra in 3rd before last, lost 3rd run-in, 4th of 5, 10l behind No More Heroes (11-3) at Navan 2m 4f nov hdl G2 (1) in Dec.
