tracked leaders in 3rd, 4th from 2 out, ridden and no extra from before last, weakened
always prominent, led or disputed lead from 2nd, mistake 4 out, slight advantage entering straight, headed soon after 2 out and dropped to 3rd, no extra run-in
always prominent, led or disputed lead, narrowly headed entering straight, not fluent final 2 fences, kept on well under pressure run-in to lead again closing stages
always towards rear and mainly raced alone on inner, no threat in straight
held up, 4th halfway, good headway early straight and travelled best to lead after 2 out, kept on under pressure run-in, no extra and headed closing stages
chased leaders, 5th from halfway, no extra from early straight, weakened
Tranquil Sea isn't quite top-class but has still managed to win several times at this level though mainly over further. He comes out clear on official ratings but faces a much-improved performer in SEABASS and may have to settle for a place. Ted Walsh's charge began his winning run back in 2010 off a mark of 95 and he's now on 141. Ruby is likely to make this a very stiff test as his mount would prefer further and he may just have enough left in the tank to hold off Tranquil Sea. Saludos was a long way behind Tranquil Sea at Fairyhouse last time though that was nowhere near his form and he'll be better suited than most by this trip. Gentle Alice was a long way behind Seabass at Limerick in December and an 8lb turnaround doesn't look enough while Zaarito has been a big disappointment on his two runs following a long break.
Tranquil Sea (IRE) 11-2 (11-12) Chased leader, closed approaching 5 out, soon on terms, led before straight, ridden before 2 out, headed and dropped to 3rd approaching last, soon no impression, 3rd of 5, 7l behind Blazing Tempo (11-3) at Fairyhouse 2m 1f chs Grd 2 (1) sft in Jan.
Saludos (IRE) 14-1 (11-10) Led and clear, reduced lead approaching 5 out where joined, headed before straight, no extra when bad mistake 2 out, tailed off, last of 5, 40l behind Blazing Tempo (11-3) at Fairyhouse 2m 1f chs Grd 2 (1) sft in Jan.
Seabass (IRE) 7-1 (10-7) Made all, hampered by loose horse approaching 7 out, ridden before last, kept on strongly run-in, comfortably, won at Leopardstown 2m 5f Ext hcp ch in Jan beating Out Now (10-4) by 8l, 22 ran.
Jigalo (IRE) 6-1 (10-12) Towards rear on inner, never on terms, 6th entering straight, no extra before last, 6th of 11, 18l behind Senior Again (9-10) at Leopardstown 2m 1f hcp chs sft in Jan.
Zaarito (IRE) 16-1 (10-12) Always towards rear, 27th of 30, well behind Citizenship (10-3) at Leopardstown 2m hcp hdl 0-145 in Jan.
Gentle Alice (IRE) 11-1 (11-6) Waited with, improved to chase leaders 6 out, closer in 2nd before straight, travelling best and led approaching last, stayed on well to draw clear and assert run-in, won at Gowran Park 2m 4f hcp chs 0-123 sft in Jan beating Tiernan's Terror (10-7) by 11l, 15 ran.
