chased leaders early, 6th from 10th where mistake, dropped to last 5 out, no extra and pulled up before 3 out
prominent, 4th from 10th, on terms from 11th, led before 12th where mistake, attempted to assert before straight, pressed after 2 out, headed run-in, no extra and one pace closing stages
prominent, on terms approaching 9th, headed before 12th, squeezed for room on inner before straight, challenged from 2 out, led run-in and stayed on best to assert closing stages
a little keen, tracked leaders, on terms 7th, headed from 11th, soon lost place, weakened and pulled up before 3 out
led, joined 7th, headed before 12th, remained prominent and ridden to chase leader straight, no impression when not fluent at last, one pace
soon chased leaders, 5th from 10th, no impression and slight mistake 2 out, one pace
held up in touch, 7th from 10th where mistake, headway under pressure to chase leader straight, no impression when bad mistake last, one pace
in rear, detached early, closed approaching 3 out, ridden to chase leader straight, no extra and one pace from 2 out
Black Scorpion is only six and improved massively to win two points and a hunter chase in the spring so an opening mark of 109 doesn't look too taxing. SPANCIL HILL (NAP) is just a year older and could hardly have been more impressive when stepping up to this trip at Wexford in April and scoring by 23 lengths. Not surprisingly, he's been hit with a 14lb rise but a recent run over hurdles will have put him spot-on and he can continue his progress. King Blue has been in good form over hurdles but is equally adept over fences and regular partner Katie Walsh is on board for her stable. Jamie Codd's presence will ensure Vinnie Luck comes in for support though his mount looks a bit high in the weights over fences and though My Hometown has scope his recent form leaves plenty to be desired.
Canaly (IRE) 50-1 (11-6) Always towards rear, slight mistake 1st, weakened from 4 out, never a factor, 18th of 20, dist behind Davids Charm (11-1) at Galway 2m 5f hcp gd in Aug.
Vinnie Luck (IRE) 4-1 (10-12) Disputed lead early, soon led, not fluent 3 out, joined approaching straight, soon headed, dropped to 3rd and no impression approaching 2 out, left 2nd and impeded last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 7, 8l behind Masterson (10-11) at Clonmel 2m 4f gd in Sep.
Icantsay (IRE) 7-1 (10-0) Led and disputed, ridden before 2 out, strongly pressed 2 out, headed before last, kept on same pace run-in, 3rd close home, 3rd of 8, 1 3/4l behind Ben Button (11-7) at Listowel 3m hcp hvy in Sep.
My Hometown (IRE) 33-1 (11-12) Held up, 12th from 3rd, 10th after 9th, some headway to chase leaders when switched right approaching 2 out, soon one pace, 5th of 14, 19 3/4l behind Dont Tell No One (11-12) at Killarney 2m 7f gd in Aug.
Capture The Drama (IRE) 25-1 (11-2) Soon tracked leader in 2nd, 3rd after 3rd, dropped to 5th after 11th, pushed along in 7th after 3 out, weakened and pulled up before last, at Tramore 2m 6f hcp Yielding in Aug.
Black Scorpion (IRE) 9-2 (12-0) Mid-division, 6th after 8th, headway to 4th before 3 out, progress to 2nd 2 out, pushed along to lead before last, stayed on well, won at Cork 3m mdn gd in Apr beating Jammin Masters (12-0) by 2 3/4l, 11 ran.
Spancil Hill (IRE) 7-1 (10-9) Prominent, slight mistake 3rd, jumped slightly left 6th, led 4 out, joined approaching 2 out where slight mistake, headed and kept on same pace run-in, 4th of 14, 4 1/2l behind Kilganer Queen (11-9) at Ballinrobe 2m 5f hcp Yielding - Soft in Aug.
King Blue (IRE) 9-2 (10-12) Held up in rear, ridden to close 2 out, 2nd entering straight, kept on same pace without threatening winner from before last, 2nd of 6, 3l behind Sir Ector (10-6) at Sligo 3m hcp Soft - Heavy in Aug.
Rockshandy (IRE) 16-1 (11-1) Towards rear, bad mistake 7th, soon no danger and pulled up after next, at Killarney 2m 5f hcp gd in Aug.
