led, slight mistake 3rd, joined before 2 out, headed 2 out, soon ridden, no impression on winner before last, kept on one pace
tracked leader in 2nd, pecked 2nd, improved to dispute before 2 out, led 2 out, asserted before last, pushed out run-in, comfortably
settled 3rd, slight mistakes 3rd and 5 out, ridden and dropped to rear entering straight, no extra and weakened
held up in rear, 3rd entering straight, ridden and no impression on leaders 2 out, kept on same pace from last
CILAOS EMERY, a Grade 1 winner over hurdles, looked a future star over fences when defying several errors to win impressively at Gowran in January. This is much tougher but he's expected to remain unbeaten over the bigger obstacles before going on to bigger things. Ornua will ensure he has a thorough test though his Grade 1 penalty for landing the Maghull at Aintree may prove too much to overcome while Winter Escape has a similar burden for winning three times over fences including two Grade 3's. Duca De Thaix has more experience than these rivals having won two tough handicaps at Fairyhouse at the turn of the year though was running poorly when last seen in the spring while Kildorrery will need to raise his game in this company.
Ornua (IRE) 7-1 (11-10) Soon led, slight mistake 7th, joined after 4 out, headed 3 out, soon no impression, no extra and not fluent 2 out, soon pulled up, at Punchestown 2m (1) gf in May.
Cilaos Emery (FR) 11-8fav (11-12) Mid-division, headway approaching straight and led travelling well 2 out, ridden to assert and kept on well run-in, won at Gowran Park 2m sft in Jan beating Impact Factor (11-12) by 4l, 17 ran.
Duca De Thaix (FR) 50-1 (11-10) Waited with, soon in rear, mistake 4 out, soon no impression, 5th of 7, 29 1/2l behind Chacun Pour Soi (11-10) at Punchestown 2m (1) gf in May.
Kildorrery (IRE) 6-1 (11-2) In rear, 3rd from 4 out, closed from next, pushed along straight, no extra and one pace from before 2 out, 3rd of 5, 12 1/2l behind Dinons (11-4) at Limerick 2m 4f hvy in Oct.
Winter Escape (IRE) 16-1 (11-0) Towards rear and well off pace, closer 4 out and went 2nd before 2 out, 3rd and no impression approaching last, kept on one pace, 3rd of 6, 16l behind Davids Charm (11-0) at Tipperary 2m (1) gd in Oct.
