led, a little slow at the 4th, mistake 3 out and headed, no extra from next, eased and dropped to moderate 5th at last
chased leaders, mistake 4 out, soon struggling, slightly hampered 2 out, disputed moderate 2nd at last, soon in pursuit of winner and no impression, kept on same pace
soon in rear, jumped slow and to the right at 3rd, soon trailing, jumped right 6th, no extra, tailed off
chased leaders, closer in 3rd 4 out, close 4th when fell 2 out
chased leaders, closer order when slight mistake 2 out, soon struggling, disputed moderate 2nd at last where jumped slightly left, no impression in 3rd run-in
towards rear, struggling from 4 out, went moderate 4th at last, kept on same pace run-in
chased leader in 2nd, led 3 out, clear from next, jumped slightly left last, ridden out run-in, stayed on well, comfortably
There have been some terrific winners of this in recent years and this season's entry looks well up to scratch. Defy Logic couldn't quite get to FELIX YONGER at Punchestown in November but enjoyed the softer conditions when beating Trifolium in the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase here on St Stephens Day. Though surprisingly beaten by stablemate The Paparrazi Kid in softer ground over a longer trip at Limerick where he didn't jump as well, Ruby Walsh's mount is better than that and compensation awaits. Mallowney was beaten seven lengths by Mozoltov on his chasing bow at Fairyhouse then beat the useful Ned Buntline at Naas but will struggle to reverse form with the Mullins' novice, who is a threat to his stablemate.
Defy Logic (IRE) 7-2 (11-12) Led or disputed lead, slight mistake 3 out and led next, ridden and kept on well run-in,, won at Leopardstown 2m 1f nov chs Grade 1 (4yo+) (1) sft in Dec beating Trifolium (11-12) by 3 1/2l, 6 ran.
Felix Yonger (IRE) 2-5fav (11-12) Soon chased leaders, closer in 2nd into straight, not fluent 2 out, stayed on well run-in but not reach winner, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind The Paparrazi Kid (11-6) at Limerick 2m 3f nov chs Grade 2 (1) hvy in Dec.
Irish Thistle (IRE) 2-1 (11-5) Tracked leader in 2nd, briefly on terms from 5th, a little slow next, ridden along from 3 out, switched right before 2 out, soon no impression until left in lead and clear from last, won at Navan 2m 4f nov chs sft beating Seskinane (11-0) by 12l, 5 ran.
Mallowney (IRE) 6-4 (11-2) Disputed lead early, led before 3rd, ridden clear from 2 out, pushed out and stayed on well run-in, won at Naas 2m nov chs sft beating Ned Buntline (11-8) by 2 1/4l, 6 ran.
Mozoltov 1-2fav (11-12) Tracked leader in 2nd, led before straight, clear from before last, stayed on well, easily, won at Fairyhouse 2m beg chs in Dec beating Mallowney (11-12) by 8l, 8 ran.
Ted Veale (IRE) 12-1 (11-12) In rear, slight mistake 2nd and slow 3rd, ridden and no impression in 5th entering straight, no extra,, 5th of 6, 47l behind Defy Logic (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m 1f nov chs Grade 1 (4yo+) (1) sft in Dec.
Trifolium (FR) 8-1 (11-12) Chased leaders in 3rd, 10 lengths off leading pair 4 out, closer entering straight and 2nd at last, no impression on winner run-in,, 2nd of 6, 3 1/2l behind Defy Logic (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m 1f nov chs Grade 1 (4yo+) (1) sft in Dec.
Art Of Logistics (IRE) 20-1 (11-12) Chased leaders in 4th, closer entering straight, ridden and no impression before last, no extra run-in,, 4th of 6, 20l behind Defy Logic (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m 1f nov chs Grade 1 (4yo+) (1) sft in Dec.
