chased leader, soon 3rd, pushed along approaching straight, 4th and no impression from before 2 out, 5th and one pace run-in
chased leader, soon 2nd, slight mistake 3rd, pushed along approaching straight, 3rd before 2 out, soon switched left, kept on without reaching 1st 2 run-in
held up in 5th, 4th from 3 out, travelling smoothly and raced on outer approaching straight, 2nd approaching 2 out, on terms before last where mistake and headed, kept on well run-in, led close home
led, clear at stages, pushed along approaching straight, joined from before last where left in lead again, kept on well and edged left closing stages, headed close home
in rear, 5th from 3 out, raced on inner into straight, no impression approaching 2 out, went 4th run-in and kept on without threatening
raced in 4th, dropped to last from 3 out, soon no impression, pecked slightly last
KING BLUE's last victory was just over a year ago at Cork but he's looking ready to score again after a narrow defeat at Clonmel. He'll be suited by dropping back to this trip and can see off Draycott Place at these weights. The latter has produced some smart performances in his time and generally runs at a higher level but looks weighted right up to his best. Sarwistan won over hurdles in October but has been well beaten in all four starts over the bigger obstacles so Ibetellingyoualie looks more of a threat. He shot up the weights after his victory at Navan a year ago and has been unable to cope but his latest run behind the in-form Tipped Up Harry on the same track showed him to be on the way back.
Draycott Place (IRE) 13-2 (11-0) Ran 3rd, 2nd at 6th and led 8th, headed after 11th and ridden in 3rd after 4 out, no impression on easy winner approaching 2 out, went moderate 2nd run-in, 2nd of 3, 7 1/2l behind Fine Rightly (11-4) at Down Royal 3m 2f sft in Mar.
Ibetellingyoualie (IRE) 7-1 (11-3) Settled behind leaders, 3rd halfway, ridden in 4th 3 out, stayed on into close 3rd 2 out, under pressure in 2nd before last, 3rd last and kept on same pace run-in, 3rd of 7, 6l behind Tipped Up Harry (10-13) at Navan 2m 4f hcp Soft - Heavy in Apr.
King Blue (IRE) 5-1 (11-1) Held up, 7th from 8th, slightly impeded 11th, slight mistake 3 out, soon 4th, travelling smoothly straight, challenged 2 out and pecked, soon on terms, pecked slightly last, headed and kept on without matching winner closing stages, 2nd of 12, nk behind Mtada Supreme (11-12) at Clonmel 2m 4f hcp sft in Mar.
The Shepherd King (IRE) 9-1 (11-12) In rear, closer halfway, pushed along in 5th before 2 out, no impression last, kept on one pace run-in, 5th of 7, 9 1/4l behind Le Grand Chene (11-6) at Downpatrick 2m 2f hcp Good - Yielding in Mar.
Reafadda (IRE) 25-1 (10-12) Settled 3rd, progress to 2nd halfway, 3rd at 8th, ridden and dropped to 5th before 3 out, no extra in 6th after 3 out, completely tailed off, 6th of 8, dist behind Monasteradenpauric (11-4) at Limerick 2m 5f hcp hvy in Mar.
Sarwistan (IRE) 66-1 (11-3) Prominent early, soon held up behind leaders, slight mistake 5th, 6th halfway, ridden and no impression 5 out, weakened before next, pulled up before 3 out, at Thurles 2m hvy in Jan.
