made virtually all, joined briefly 6 out, 2 lengths advantage when left clear after 3 out, greatly eased run-in
tracked leader closely in 2nd, disputed lead briefly 6 out, 2 lengths down but still in contention when fell 3 out
always behind, trailing before halfway, left distant 2nd 3 out
Flying Windsor won a maiden point at Kilfeacle last month but showed little on her debut over regulation fences at Thurles and, even with the allowances, may struggle. Both WESTERN CHARMER and Sam Adams were thought good enough to run in the Grade 1 Dr PJ Moriarty Chase at Leopardstown last month but were well beaten, the former over 30 lengths behind the winner Bostons Angel and the latter pulling up. Western Charmer had earlier finished close up behind Bostons Angel over this trip at Leopardstown and a repeat of that form would be good enough for this. Tharawaat is an improving youngster whose best effort came over the furthest he has raced so far, 2m6f at Punchestown in November. He won't mind the ground and looks the biggest threat.
Tharawaat (IRE) 7-4fav (11-12) Tracked leaders in 3rd, improved into 2nd 6 out, close up from 4 out, challenged from 2 out, every chance last, soon no extra, 2nd of 6, 2l behind The Hurl (11-12) at Gowran Park 2m 4f nov chs sft in Jan.
Western Charmer (IRE) 16-1 (11-10) Led early, headed 4th, dropped to 5th halfway, ridden 4 out, soon lost touch, left remote 4th from 2 out, 4th of 6, 32l behind Bostons Angel (11-10) at Leopardstown 2m 5f nov chs G1 (1) hvy.
Flying Windsor (IRE) 50-1 (11-7) Rear of mid-division, closer in 7th 4 out, ridden and no impression from next, 5th of 15, 23l behind Galant Ferns (11-4) at Thurles 3m mrs beg chs hvy.
Sam Adams (IRE) 25-1 (11-10) Held up in touch, dropped to rear and ridden 7th, trailing after mistake 6 out, pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Bostons Angel (11-10) at Leopardstown 2m 5f nov chs G1 (1) hvy, 6 ran.
