tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, mistakes 11th, 4 out and 2 out, ridden entering straight and no impression in 3rd when mistake last, no extra
tracked leader in 2nd, jumped well, led 12th, travelled well and asserted before last, ridden and stayed on well run-in
tracked leaders, 4th halfway, progress to go 2nd after 2 out, pushed along and no impression on winner before last, ridden and kept on one pace run-in
led, jumped right 8th and 9th, headed 12th, dropped to rear and ridden entering straight, no extra before last
A disappointing turnout numerically and it's difficult to see past NO MORE HEROES, who can remain unbeaten over fences. Gordon Elliott's charge, a Grade 2 novice hurdle winner and a close third in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham, had Monksland two and a half lengths behind when landing the Drinmore at Fairyhouse last month. The runner-up made a couple of minor errors and like the selection has plenty of improvement in him and the longer trip will suit both so it should be a cracking contest. Rule The World has had much more experience having already run 10 times over fences without winning and though he's come up against some classy rivals he does so again here. Wrath Of Titans will probably need mishaps from his rivals to get involved.
Monksland (IRE) 7-2 (11-10) Held up, 6th halfway, mistake 7th, progress to challenge entering straight, 2nd and slight mistake 2 out, soon ridden, no impression on winner before last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 7, 2 1/2l behind No More Heroes (11-10) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f (1) Soft - Heavy in Nov.
No More Heroes (IRE) 13-8fav (11-10) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, closer at 8th, challenged 5 out, led entering straight, soon pressed, ridden to assert before last, kept on well, eased close home, won at Fairyhouse 2m 4f (1) Soft - Heavy in Nov beating Monksland (11-10) by 2 1/2l, 7 ran.
Rule The World 6-4fav (11-2) Led, pushed along 2 out, headed last and no impression on winner run-in, 2nd of 4, 2 1/2l behind The Game Changer (11-8) at Tipperary 2m 4f (1) gd in Oct.
Wrath Of Titans (IRE) 4-1 (11-3) Tracked leader in 2nd, 3rd at 3rd, 4th after 8th, 5th and pecked at 12th, dropped to 6th at 13th, driven after 3 out, no extra from 2 out, last of 6, 31 3/4l behind Shantou Flyer (11-6) at Punchestown 2m 6f (1) Soft - Heavy in Nov.
