soon raced in 4th, raced on inner, closer order from before halfway, 6th approaching straight, got on terms from 3f out, led under 2f out, headed under 1f out, soon dropped to 3rd and not much room on rail, one pace
in rear on outer, under pressure from early straight, soon no extra, tailed off
tracked leader, raced on outer, 3rd approaching straight, got on terms from 3f out, headed under 2f out, led under 1f out, headed over 100yds out, rallied, kept on well, just failed
soon raced in 6th on outer, 7th halfway, 5th approaching straight, challenged 3f out, 3rd from 2f out, no impression in 4th from 1f out, one pace
soon raced in 3rd on inner, 2nd approaching straight, ridden in 4th from 2f out, 3rd over 1f out, 2nd and challenged final furlong, led over 100yds out, pressed, kept on well, all out
took keen hold early, held up towards rear on inner, 7th approaching straight, pushed along over 3f out, 5th from 2f out, soon no impression, one pace
led on outer, edged right briefly on bend early away from stands, headed from 3f out, lost place from 2f out, soon no impression, one pace
a little keen, soon raced in 5th on outer, 4th approaching straight, 6th from 2f out, soon no impression, one pace
The fact that Patrick Mullins is on board Shrewdoperator for Paul Rothwell and not Augustin for his father isn't significant as the latter's rider, 17-year-old Aubrey McMahon, is the grandson of the owner Madeline McMahon. His mount has a brilliant pedigree for jumping and though taking on some smart performers here can make his presence felt. Shrewdoperator looks as though he needs further but The Tractor Man showed good pace for a long way at Fairyhouse and will be much better for the experience. KILLER MILLER started off with an excellent run over hurdles in March then went to Gowran three weeks later and finished a close third behind two classy performers in Fine Article and Sub Lieutenant. He'll be unlucky to come up against anything as good here so should gain his first success. Thatshowhedidit was beaten a long way into second at Limerick but will come on for the run while Sarwistan reverts to a bumper after a run over hurdles at Leopardstown.
Killer Miller (IRE) 9-4 (12-0) Chased leader in 3rd, progress to challenge 2f out, ridden and no impression in 3rd inside final furlong, 3rd of 10, 4 1/2l behind Fine Article (12-0) at Gowran Park 2m NH flat hvy in Mar.
Mount Heron (IRE) Heron Island gelding out of Honey Mountain.
Thatshowhedidit (IRE) 9-1 (11-7) Mid-division, 5th halfway, improved into close 3rd approaching straight, ridden to challenge over 2f out, no impression on easy winner inside final furlong, 2nd of 10, 15l behind The Gatechecker (11-6) at Limerick 2m NH flat hvy in Dec.
Augustin (FR) Martaline gelding out of Lili Bleue.
Illuminati (FR) 6-1 (11-6) Chased leader, moderate 6th halfway, closer 3f out, ridden and no impression in 6th 2f out, no extra, 7th of 13, 24l behind Round Tower (11-7) at Down Royal 2m NH flat in Nov.
Sarwistan (IRE) 25-1 (11-2) Held up, 9th early, 7th on inner approaching straight, no impression in 6th at last, one pace run-in, 5th of 12, 11l behind Alvisio Ville (11-7) at Leopardstown 2m 4yo mdn hdl in Dec.
Shrewdoperator (IRE) 13-2 (11-11) Tracked leaders, 3rd approaching halfway, 5th on inner into straight, soon not much room, 4th from 2f out, went moderate 2nd 1f out, kept on without troubling winner, 2nd of 10, 9l behind Merry Westerner (11-9) at Limerick 2m 2f NH flat hvy in Dec.
The Tractor Man (IRE) 25-1 (11-5) Mid-division, 5th 4f out, improved into 2nd and ridden 2f out, dropped to 3rd 1f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 9, 15l behind Jetstream Jack (11-12) at Fairyhouse 2m NH flat sft.
