tracked leader in 2nd, improved to dispute lead when left in clear lead 3 out, stayed on well from 2 out, easily
led, took keen hold, joined and every chance when fell 3 out
held up in last throughout, detached from 5th, not fluent 7th, not fluent again 4 out, left moderate 2nd 3 out, soon ridden and no impression on easy winner
Tully East started off over fences with a smooth victory at Thurles then had no answer to Min in the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown. IDENTITY THIEF was expected to give the winner a race after the Grade 1 winning hurdler made a tremendous start to his chasing career with two victories at Punchestown but made a couple of bad mistakes and was soon eased and pulled up. He went on a retrieving mission on the same track last month but got no further than the first so can hardly be selected with confidence. However, he had Ball D'arc over seven lengths behind at Punchestown though the latter has since won a lucrative Fairyhouse handicap. Ballyoisin looked a very smart prospect when making all on that latter course last month and will test any flaws in the selection's armoury.
Ball D'Arc (FR) 3-1fav (10-9) Raced in 8th early, soon poor 5th, mistakes 5 out and 3 out, closer in 3rd approaching straight, on terms approaching 2 out, soon led, stayed on well run-in, comfortably, won at Fairyhouse 2m 1f hcp sft in Jan beating Pairofbrowneyes (11-0) by 9l, 13 ran.
Ballyoisin (IRE) Evensfav (11-12) Made all, jumped slightly left 2 out, soon pushed along, asserted from last, stayed on well run-in, comfortably, won at Fairyhouse 2m 1f sft in Jan beating Townshend (11-12) by 6l, 11 ran.
Tully East (IRE) 16-1 (11-12) In rear, not fluent 7th, pushed along straight, soon no impression, 6th of 7, 20l behind Min (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m 1f (1) Yielding in Dec.
Identity Thief (IRE) 2-1 (11-12) Hit 1st and unseated rider, at Leopardstown 2m 1f (1) gd in Jan.
