A strong entry with Gordon Elliott saddling three. Jack Kennedy was on board when ABSOLUTE NOTIONS won impressively at Punchestown and takes the ride again though Three Card Brag's close third in a Grade 3 over two miles here last month was a fine effort. Deeply Superficial will have no problems with the trip having won between the flags and she looked impressive when scoring over the minimum at Galway. Dual bumper winner Carnfunnock sauntered home in a poor race at Ayr while point-to-point winner Inthepocket benefited from testing ground at Wexford and some rain would aid his cause.
Absolute Notions (IRE) 11-8fav (11-7) Tracked leader, 2nd halfway, slight mistake 4 out, challenged after 3 out, disputed next and soon ridden, narrowly headed before last, rallied and narrow lead last, kept on well to assert run-in, won at Punchestown 2m 3f mdn Yielding in Nov beating Deep Cave (11-7) by 3 3/4l, 22 ran.
Captains Nephew (IRE) 28-1 (11-12) Towards rear and 12th halfway, not fluent on outer 3 out, no impression in 9th before next, kept on well run-in to go moderate 3rd on line, never nearer, 3rd of 15, 24 1/2l behind Popova (11-5) at Thurles 2m mdn Yielding in Dec.
Carnfunnock (IRE) 1-5fav (11-0) Chased leader, led 2 out, clear last, easily, won at Ayr 2m (4) sft in Nov beating Kauto Of Gold (11-0) by 6l, 6 ran.
Inthepocket 7-4fav (11-4) Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, closer after 3 out and travelled well to lead next, kept on well and drew clear run-in, comfortably, won at Wexford 2m mdn hvy in Oct beating Transmission (11-4) by 6l, 13 ran.
Lakefield Flyer (IRE) 150-1 (11-5) Held up in rear, 6th halfway, in touch in 5th 3 out, ridden and no extra before next, 6th of 8, dist behind Inothewayurthinkin (11-12) at Gowran Park 2m hvy in Nov.
Three Card Brag (IRE) 11-4 (11-1) Tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, pushed along 2 out, soon ridden and no impression approaching last, kept on well run-in, nearest at finish, 3rd of 5, 1 1/4l behind Hercule Du Seuil (11-1) at Navan 2m (1) Yielding in Nov.
Deeply Superficial (IRE) 11-8fav (11-7) Tracked leader, 3rd at 4th, closed travelling well 2 out, led narrowly last, ridden and asserted final 150 yards, comfortably, won at Galway 2m mdn sft in Oct beating Law Ella (11-7) by 3 1/4l, 15 ran.
