chased leaders in 3rd, ridden and no impression after last (normal 2 out), no extra inside final furlong, kept on one pace
disputed lead early until led 1st, made rest, pressed after last (normal 2 out), ridden and kept on well inside final furlong
chased leaders in 4th, ridden and no impression before last (normal 2 out), kept on one pace
towards rear, bad mistake 1st, soon 5th, mistake 7th and soon dropped to rear, weakened and pulled up before last (normal 2 out)
held up in rear, not fluent 4th, pushed along halfway, went moderate 5th at 7th, soon ridden and no extra, never a factor
disputed lead until headed 1st, soon tracked leader in 2nd, ridden and pressed winner after last (normal 2 out), no impression inside final furlong, kept on same pace
With a CV that includes defeats of Appreciate It in a bumper and Bob Olinger over timber, FERNY HOLLOW is the most exciting chasing recruit seen so far this season. He wasn't foot perfect on his chasing bow at Punchestown but the further he went the better he travelled and runner-up Coeur Sublime appears unlikely to turn the tables. However, Riviere D'etel has every chance of bursting the bubble. Only a four-year-old and in receipt of allowances, she's been imperious in her three starts over fences winning by a total of 44l including at Grade 3/2 level and should ensure the selection doesn't have things his own way. Grand Bornand's victory over the very smart Busselton in June can see him give the principals something to think about.
Coeur Sublime (IRE) 13-2 (12-0) Settled behind leaders, closer in 4th halfway, progress into 2nd 3 out, disputed before next, ridden to lead narrowly after 2 out, headed last, kept on same pace run-in, 2nd of 15, 4l behind Ferny Hollow (12-0) at Punchestown 2m 1f Yielding - Soft in Dec.
Ferny Hollow (IRE) 8-15fav (12-0) Led, slight mistake 2nd and mistake 5th, joined before 2 out, ridden and narrowly headed after 2 out, rallied to lead again last, kept on well run-in, won at Punchestown 2m 1f Yielding - Soft in Dec beating Coeur Sublime (12-0) by 4l, 15 ran.
Gallant John Joe (IRE) 11-10fav (11-2) Tracked leaders in 4th, not fluent 9th, 3rd and slight mistake 3 out, improved to dispute lead travelling well 2 out, soon led, ridden and strongly pressed at last, joined inside final furlong, headed and dropped to 3rd close home, 3rd of 6, 1/2l behind Royal Rendezvous (11-2) at Naas 2m 4f (1) sft in Mar.
Grand Bornand (FR) 4-1 (12-0) Disputed, 2nd at 3rd, disputed at 6th, led at 7th, not fluent and pecked at 8th, soon headed, disputed 3 out, left clear after last, kept on well, eased closing stages, won at Galway 2m 2f gd in Jul beating Busselton (11-2) by 5 1/2l, 7 ran.
Zoffanien (IRE) 33-1 (11-8) Mid-division, 5th halfway, 7th when slight mistake 4 out, in touch when fell 2 out, at Naas 2m 3f Yielding in Dec.
Riviere D'etel (FR) 1-4fav (10-11) Made all, went clear from 3 out, niggled along run-in, stayed on strongly, easily, won at Navan 2m 1f (1) Yielding in Dec beating Take All (11-2) by 12l, 6 ran.
