led, headed after 3 out, 4th 2 out, soon no extra
close 2nd, led after 3 out, slight mistake and headed 2 out, no extra from last
tracked leaders in 3rd, improved to dispute lead 2 out, ridden and headed last, kept on same pace
in touch in rear, effort approaching 2 out, 5th before last, kept on
held up in touch, close 5th and effort before 2 out, soon no extra
held up in 5th, close 6th after 3 out, headway after 2out, improved to dispute lead when not fluent last, one pace run-in
tracked leaders in 4th, 3rd after 2 out, quickened to lead last, ran on well, comfortably
Willie Mullins won this with Cousin Vinny in 2009 and will be hoping either Wee Giant or Ballyhaunis can repeat the process. The former's defeat by Foildubh at Tramore looked disappointing at the time but the winner could turn out to be more than useful. Ballyhaunis has a double penalty to carry which may prove his undoing in this strong contest though Paul Townend has chosen to ride him. TORNEDO SHAY's debut over timber had been eagerly awaited and he did most things right when beating Johnny McGeeney at Gowran in November. He'll have come on a bundle for the experience and looks an exciting prospect. Tavern Times didn't get far on his hurdling bow at Leopardstown but looks the type who can do well and could reward each-way support at a fair price, but old-timer L'Ami will surely find this trip much too short.
L'ami (FR) 3-10fav (12-0) Tracked leader in 2nd, led 14th, slow 5 out (rubys double) and next (water splash) where headed briefly, asserted approaching last where mistake, driven out run-in, won at Punchestown 3m crs cntry chs (5yo+) in Nov beating King Johns Castle (11-4) by 1 1/2l, 7 ran.
Stay (IRE) 33-1 (10-11) Tracked leaders in 5th, moderate 4th 5 out, headway next, ridden into 3rd 2 out, challenged last, soon led, stayed on well, won at Tramore 2m 4f mdn hdl hvy beating Jack Bene (11-1) by 3l, 11 ran.
Tornedo Shay (IRE) 9-4fav (11-12) Chased leaders on inner, 5th approaching straight, not fluent 2 out, challenged and led before last, soon ridden clear, stayed on well, comfortably, won at Gowran Park 2m 5yo mdn hdl hvy in Nov beating Johnny McGeeney (11-12) by 3 1/2l, 19 ran.
Forty Foot Tom 5-2 (11-12) Led, jumped left 2nd, joined approaching straight, headed and kept on one pace from after 2 out, 4th of 19, 10l behind Tornedo Shay (11-12) at Gowran Park 2m 5yo mdn hdl hvy in Nov.
Sligo 12-1 (11-12) Prominent, pushed along in 5th 3 out, no impression from before straight, 9th of 16, 23l behind Big Secret (11-12) at Limerick 2m mdn hdl sft in Dec.
Tavern Times (IRE) 13-2 (11-12) Tracked leaders on outer, fell 2nd, in a race won by Cottrelsbooley (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m mdn hdl hvy in Dec, 17 ran.
Darwins Fox (FR) 5-2fav (11-7) Prominent, close 2nd 3 out, led travelling well entering straight, reduced advantage and ridden approaching last, headed after last, no extra inside final furlong, 2nd of 17, 1 3/4l behind Stephanie Kate (10-13) at Limerick 2m 4yo mdn hdl in Dec.
Ballyhaunis 5-4fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, 2nd from 2 out, challenged from before last, led and stayed on best run-in, won at Thurles 2m hdl in Nov beating Wilde Wit Pleasure (11-12) by 1 1/4l, 9 ran.
Wee Giant (USA) 7-4fav (11-6) Tracked leaders in 3rd, improved into 2nd travelling well approaching 2 out, ridden to challenge before last, stayed on well closing stages, just held, 2nd of 6, 1/2l behind Foildubh (11-12) at Tramore 2m nh nov hdl in Dec.
Ballyburke (IRE) 5-4fav (11-12) Always prominent, tracked leaders, disputed lead before halfway, led 4 out, headed entering straight, soon ridden and no impression on winner, kept on one pace, 2nd of 20, 12l behind The Bull Hayes (11-10) at Leopardstown 2m mdn hdl sft.
