in touch in last, progress to dispute close 2nd 2 out, soon ridden, no extra in 3rd before last
led until headed after 1st, disputed lead again from 4 out, ridden and headed before 2 out, weakened quickly
led after 1st and made most, joined 4 out, led again before 2 out, ridden before last, stayed on well run-in
raced 3rd, improved to dispute close 2nd when slight mistake 2 out, soon ridden in 2nd, kept on run-in without reaching winner
Bonisland's runs behind Rule the World here and Ballycasey at Thurles warrant the utmost respect but SUNTIEP's debut success over track and trip in January marked him down as one to follow and Willie Mullins' seven-year-old, who has any amount of scope, can extend his unbeaten record today. Irish Thistle won over 2m here in January but was well beaten at Naas eights days ago and has yet to prove his stamina over this kind of distance. Maccas Lad won a Fairyhouse handicap last time but it will be a big shock if he's good enough here.
Irish Thistle (IRE) 16-1 (11-6) In rear, mistake 2nd, trailing under pressure from 4 out, kept on without threatening, 5th of 10, 33l behind Mallowney (11-9) at Naas 2m lst nov hdl (4yo+) (1) sft.
Maccas Lad (IRE) 6-1 (10-13) Soon tracked leaders, on terms before 4 out, not fluent next, in front and went on from before straight, reduced lead and headed approaching last, rallied well run-in to regain lead closing stages, won at Fairyhouse 2m 7f hcp hdl 80-109 sft in Feb beating Status Update (10-9) by nk, 13 ran.
Suntiep (FR) 7-4fav (11-12) Mid-division early, soon chased leaders, 5th halfway, headway to challenge 3 out, soon ridden, disputed before last, asserted closing stages, won at Navan 2m 7f mdn hdl hvy in Jan beating Hard To Swallow (11-12) by 1 3/4l, 13 ran.
Bonisland 5-2 (11-2) Tracked leaders, 3rd 4 out, went 2nd 2 out and soon ridden, dropped to 3rd when mistake last, no impression run-in, 3rd of 5, 6l behind Ballycasey (11-5) at Thurles 2m 6f nov hdl hvy in Jan.
