tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, pushed along in 4th before 2 out, no impression in 5th approaching last, kept on one pace
tracked leader, led briefly after 3rd, slow and headed next, 2nd halfway, led 4 out, strongly pressed and headed approaching last, soon no impression on easy winner, kept on run-in
towards rear, 9th halfway, slight mistake 5 out, no extra approaching 2 out, kept on one pace straight
help up towards rear, 7th halfway, 5th 3 out, no impression on winner in 4th before last, 3rd and kept on one pace run-in
chased leaders, 6th halfway, 5th 2 out, no extra in 7th approaching last
led, headed briefly before 4th, headed 4 out, 3rd 2 out, no impression on winner approaching last, no extra run-in
tracked leaders, slight mistake 8th, 5th halfway, progress to challenge 2 out, led approaching last and soon asserted, kept on well, easily
tracked leaders, 4th halfway, 3rd after 12th, blundered 5 out and in rear after next, 6th approaching last, kept on one pace
towards rear, 8th halfway, slight mistake 5 out, in touch approaching 2 out, no extra straight
Portrait King won this in 2012 and finished a close fourth a year ago. He bounced back to his best when scoring here three weeks ago and is likely to take some beating again. However, the concession of 15lb to EMBRACING CHANGE could prove beyond him. Robert Tyner's charge took some time to find his feet after a fine career between the flags but he's now completed a hat-trick and showed he was suited by a marathon when getting up close home over 3m5f at Fairyhouse in November. Sword Fish, who was just caught that day, scored on his next start before pulling up in the Thyestes Chase, as did Like Your Style who hasn't progressed as expected. Jupitor looks held by the selection on that Fairyhouse run and Behemoth doesn't look to have the experience for this.
Raz De Maree (FR) 66-1 (11-0) Held up, 8th at 6th, pushed along in last from 9th, soon no danger, 8th of 10, 16l behind Noble Endeavor (11-4) at Punchestown 2m 4f hdl sft in Jan.
Portrait King (IRE) 6-1 (11-6) Led briefly early, soon chased leaders, distant 3rd at 4th, inclined to jump slightly left, moderate 5th 3 out, progress to dispute 2nd at last, led run-in and stayed on best, won at Punchestown 3m 1f Am hcp ch sft in Jan beating Rogue Angel (11-9) by 6l, 7 ran.
Like Your Style (IRE) 33-1 (10-6) Always towards rear, ridden and no impression 5 out, pulled up before 4 out, in a race won by Djakadam (11-10) at Gowran Park 3m 1f hcp chs hvy in Jan, 17 ran.
Jupitor (IRE) 8-1 (11-8) Chased leaders, slight mistake 5th, 8th after 8th, under pressure 4 out, no extra from after next, 12th of 13, well behind Ravished (10-11) at Limerick 3m hcp hdl hvy in Dec.
Sword Fish (IRE) 12-1 (9-12) Chased leaders early, mid-division in 9th halfway, ridden and no extra 5 out, weakened and pulled up before 4 out, in a race won by Djakadam (11-10) at Gowran Park 3m 1f hcp chs hvy in Jan, 17 ran.
Behemoth (IRE) 8-1 (10-6) In rear, not fluent 3rd and 8th, pushed along briefly after next, no impression 2 out, 9th of 12, 23l behind Lean Araig (11-10) at Punchestown 3m hcp hdl sft in Jan.
Embracing Change (IRE) 7-2fav (10-0) Tracked leaders, 4th 5 out, ridden in 3rd 2 out, 4th at last, stayed on well inside final furlong to lead near line, won at Fairyhouse 3m 5f hcap ch in Nov beating Sword Fish (9-13) by shd, 13 ran.
More Madness (IRE) 9-1 (11-6) Prominent, disputed lead 4th, ridden and headed 3 out, no impression from next, moderate 4th at last, 4th of 9, 19l behind Bishops Road (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m 5f hcp chs 0-123 in Jan.
Too Late To Sell (IRE) 5-1 (10-5) Held up, soon well off pace, improved to chase clear leader 4 out, moderate 4th next, no extra in 5th approaching last, 5th of 7, 26l behind Portrait King (11-6) at Punchestown 3m 1f Am hcp ch sft in Jan.
