tracked leaders, mistake 5 out (usual 7 out), struggling from 2 out (normal 4 out), no extra and kept on same pace from before straight
waited with towards rear, slow jump 4 out (normal 6 out), soon struggling, pulled up 3f out
waited with towards rear, slow jump 3 out (normal 5 out), soon no impression and kept on same pace
tracked leaders, no impression from before straight, kept on same pace
waited with towards rear, no extra from 2 out (normal 4 out), pulled up 3f out
attempted to make all, joined and clear of remainder before straight, just headed before last, switched and renewed effort run-in, not get back to winner
chased leaders, no extra from 2 out (normal 4 out)
always prominent, mainly 2nd, on terms and clear of remainder from before straight, ridden to gain narrow lead before last, stayed on well run-in to hold on at the line
DOCTOR WOODFIELD, who finished runner-up in the first running of this veteran's race a year ago, has won here subsequently and gets the vote to go one better after another good run on the track last month. Give Us A Hand has to be a threat after his narrow defeat by Murchu at Fairyhouse but he hardly ever wins and probably prefers further, a remark that also applies to Droim Toll. Sang Bleu looks a bigger threat as his close second to Lion Na Bearnai at Punchestown last May is the best form on view and he will be better for a recent run between the flags. Ponmeoath may prove best of the remainder.
Give Us A Hand (IRE) 8-1 (10-8) Prominent, led and disputed from 4th, joined and strongly pressed 2 out, stayed on well run-in, headed at line, 2nd of 12, ns behind Murchu (9-11) at Fairyhouse 3m 5f hcp chs 0-140 sft.
Ponmeoath (IRE) 11-1 (10-12) Tracked leader in 2nd, disputed lead 9th until approaching straight, no extra and dropped to 5th 2 out, left 4th after last, 4th of 8, 17l behind Dancing Tornado (11-10) at Limerick 3m Handicap Chase (9yo+) hvy in Nov.
Droim Toll (IRE) 8-1 (10-13) Mid-division, closer in 4th 5 out, weakened from 3 out, pulled up before last, in a race won by Murchu (9-11) at Fairyhouse 3m 5f hcp chs 0-140 sft, 12 ran.
Sang Bleu (IRE) 4-1 (12-0) Mid div, 2nd 6out, rddn in 2nd 2out, ko same pcd, 2nd of 9, 12l behind Nedzer's Return (12-0) at Loughrea 3m ire ptp hvy in Oct.
Doctor Woodfield (IRE) 6-1 (10-0) Towards rear, 5th approaching straight and went 3rd 2 out, no impression when left 2nd at last, kept on one pace but no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 7l behind Dancing Tornado (11-10) at Limerick 3m Handicap Chase (9yo+) hvy in Nov.
Toomdeely (IRE) 7-2 (10-13) Led and clear, slight mistake 7 out, slow jump 4 out, soon headed and weakened, 7th of 10, 41l behind Colls Corner (11-3) at Listowel 2m 1f hcp chs 0-123 hvy in Sep.
Kilbane River (IRE) 18-1 (10-7) Soon mid-division, 12th approaching 6 out, no extra and pulled up after 3 out, in a race won by Come To The Party (11-7) at Limerick 3m hcp chs 0-116 hvy in Jan, 16 ran.
Valley Of Thrushes (IRE) 16-1 (11-7) Rear of mid-division, no threat from 5 out and pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Whiskey And Red (10-8) at Thurles 2m 6f hcp chs 0-109 hvy in Nov, 17 ran.
Moka De L'Isle (FR) (11-2) 98th of 17, 37l behind Quart Monde (9-13) at Auteuil(FR) 2m 7f chs sft in Oct '11.
