led early, soon raced in 2nd, pushed along under 3f out and edged right, on terms over 2f out, soon led, joined over 1f out, soon narrowly headed, kept on well to lead again at line
soon in rear, closed into 4th after 6f, headway and effort straight, pushed along over 2f out, on terms over 1f out, soon gained narrow lead, kept on well, headed at line
soon raced in 3rd, pushed along briefly soon after 4f, pushed along again from 5f out, effort straight, no impression over 1f out, one pace
prominent, soon led, ran slightly wide on opening bend, pushed along into straight, joined over 2f out, soon headed and one pace
soon raced in 4th, dropped to rear after 6f, no impression approaching straight
Fairyhill Run has it all to do but the remaining quartet are unbeaten. FAROUK D'ALENE won a point by 18 lengths and a Down Royal bumper by only a length less on Boxing Day. He faces tougher opposition here but looks the one to beat. Fire Attack was well supported at Limerick and made no mistake and can only improve as can Stattler for an impressive debut when odds-on at Fairyhouse. Vinnie Is Busy was heavily supported at Limerick last month and backers never had a moment's concern so it would be no shock to see him retain his record with his rider's claim a bonus.
Farouk D'Alene (FR) 4-6fav (11-11) Made all, kept wide early, pressed 3f out, drew clear over 1f out, impressive, won at Down Royal 2m 1f Soft - Heavy in Dec beating Mig Des Taillons (11-11) by 17l, 12 ran.
Fire Attack (IRE) 11-4 (11-11) Held up in rear, headway to 6th over 3f out, travelling well in 3rd on outer entering straight, disputed 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, kept on well, won at Limerick 2m 2f hvy in Dec beating Julies Stowaway (12-0) by 2l, 9 ran.
Stattler (IRE) 8-13fav (11-12) Chased clear leader, 2nd halfway, closer 5f out, travelled well early straight and led 1 1/2f out, pushed along to assert inside final furlong, kept on well, won at Fairyhouse 2m hvy in Jan beating Jimmy Jimmy (11-12) by 6 1/2l, 8 ran.
Vinnie Is Busy (IRE) 7-4jfav (11-10) A little keen, prominent towards inner, led after halfway, travelling smoothly straight, pushed along final furlong and asserted, stayed on well, comfortably, won at Limerick 2m Soft - Heavy in Jan beating Johngus (11-10) by 8 1/2l, 8 ran.
Fairyhill Run (IRE) 66-1 (11-1) Tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, soon weakened, 9th of 11, 26 1/4l behind Darling Daughter (11-6) at Leopardstown 2m (1) Yielding in Feb.
