Things haven't gone right for CAPTAIN GUINNESS after he beat a huge field of maiden hurdlers on his debut at Navan in December. Beaten less than a length in a Grade 2 next time, he was travelling easily when brought down 2 out in the Sky Bet Supreme Hurdle at Cheltenham and something was definitely amiss when pulled up on his chasing debut at Tipperary in October. He looks a fine recruit to fences and gets the nod though Alfa Mix and Top Moon give owner J P McManus a strong hand. Both have been well beaten in two starts over fences but have plenty to offer and the latter holds the advantage on their 1-2 over hurdles at Navan in December. His stable companion Midnight Run competed at the highest level over hurdles and will be better for his opening run over fences while Jungle Junction won over timber on the latter track and was placed at Cheltenham last time.
A Different World (IRE) 33-1 (11-8) Always behind, trailing and bad mistake 6th, never a factor, 8th of 9, dist behind Capuccimix (11-12) at Naas 2m sft in Mar.
Alfa Mix 9-2 (12-0) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, mistake 6th, no impression 2 out and no extra approaching last, 4th of 14, 35 3/4l behind Blackbow (12-0) at Navan 2m 1f sft in Nov.
Bolbec (FR) 150-1 (12-0) Always towards rear, a little keen, not fluent 7th, mistake 5 out, ridden and no extra before next, tailed off, 9th of 10, dist behind Energumene (12-0) at Gowran Park 2m 4f hvy in Nov.
Calthor (IRE) 50-1 (12-0) Chased leaders, 5th halfway, no extra after 2 out, weakened, 5th of 14, 37 1/4l behind Blackbow (12-0) at Navan 2m 1f sft in Nov.
Captain Guinness (IRE) 4-6fav (12-0) Soon led, slight mistake 5th and headed, raced in moderate 2nd after until pulled up quickly after 7th, at Tipperary 2m 1f Soft - Heavy in Oct.
Dakota Beat (IRE) 5-1 (12-0) Tracked leader in 2nd, dropped to 4th 3 out, ridden in moderate 5th next, moderate 5th before last, no impression on winner run-in and kept on to go moderate 2nd close home, 2nd of 14, 15l behind Commandingpresence (12-0) at Punchestown 2m 4f mdn Yielding in Sep.
Encore Lui (FR) 66-1 (12-0) Mid-division early, 10th from 3rd, no impression approaching 4 out, soon no extra, 13th of 17, dist behind Easywork (12-0) at Navan 2m 1f Soft - Heavy in Nov.
Favori Logique (FR) 12-1 (12-0) In rear, some progress into closer 7th 3 out, soon ridden and no impression, 5th of 9, 13 1/2l behind Bois De Clamart (12-0) at Tramore 2m 5f Yielding in Oct.
Ificudiwud (IRE) 11-1 (12-0) Led and disputed, slight mistake 6 out, mistake 3 out, ridden and headed entering straight, soon no extra, 5th of 8, 22 3/4l behind Home By The Lee (12-0) at Limerick 2m 6f sft in Oct.
Jungle Junction (IRE) 6-1 (11-0) Keen early, held up, not fluent 3rd, went 3rd from final bend, no impression, mistake and well held last, 3rd of 6, 16 3/4l behind For Pleasure (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m (1) sft in Nov.
Midnight Run (IRE) 15-2 (12-0) Chased leaders, 5th 5 out and pecked next, no impression when slight mistake 2 out, no extra, kept on one pace, 6th of 18, 27 3/4l behind Asterion Forlonge (12-0) at Punchestown 2m 4f Soft - Heavy in Nov.
Minella Moment (IRE) 300-1 (12-0) Always behind, never a factor, pulled up after 2 out, at Fairyhouse 2m 5f sft in Nov.
Raya Time (FR) 18-1 (12-0) Rear of mid-division, never a factor, some headway 4 out, 7th and no impression 2 out, jumped right last, no extra, 7th of 14, dist behind Blackbow (12-0) at Navan 2m 1f sft in Nov.
Stealthy Tom (IRE) 250-1 (12-0) Always towards rear, detached halfway, no extra, completely tailed off, 13th of 18, dist behind Asterion Forlonge (12-0) at Punchestown 2m 4f Soft - Heavy in Nov.
The Priests Leap (IRE) 11-4 (11-6) Led, went on before 7th, reduced lead and joined approaching 2 out, soon headed and no impression, dropped to 3rd and no extra from last, 3rd of 14, 11 1/2l behind Power Of Pause (11-6) at Clonmel 2m 3f mdn hvy in Nov.
Top Moon (FR) 12-1 (12-0) Mid-division, pushed along and closer after 4 out, no impression next, 6th when slight mistake 2 out, no extra, 6th of 14, dist behind Blackbow (12-0) at Navan 2m 1f sft in Nov.
