led, extended advanatge from 8th, reduced lead 4 out, headed next and soon no extra, moderate 2nd 2 out, kept on one pace under pressure
chased leaders mainly 4th, well adrift after 5 out, tailed off
chased leader in 2nd, closer 4 out, good headway to lead next, soon ridden clear, in command when steadied and edged left at last, kept on well, easily
chased leaders, mainly 3rd, closer 4 out, briefly challenged next, soon no extra under pressure, kept on one pace in straight without threatening winner
always behind, niggled along before halfway, trailing 6 out, pulled up before 4 out
Hampshire Express beat Roi Du Mee by seven lengths over hurdles at Downpatrick last March and, as both have won recently over fences, he will be expected to take care of Gordon Elliott's charge again though this will be very different. The former had just over three lengths to spare over Bob Lingo at Thurles in November but that was over the minimum trip and the latter has scored very easily from Time Electric over 2m5f at Fairyhouse since so there are no doubts about him staying. HEALYS BAR was a thorough stayer over timber and ran like one when beaten by the impressive Osirixamix over 2m1f at Limerick where he ran on after being outpaced early. He'll love this trip and the 6lb he receives from the three winners could be enough.
Bob Lingo (IRE) 7-1 (11-12) Made all, clear before 3rd, distance clear halfway, given breather and reduced lead before 2 out, extended advantage again before last, kept on well, won at Fairyhouse 2m 5f beg chase in Jan beating Time Electric (11-12) by 20l, 8 ran.
Hampshire Express (IRE) 4-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders on inner, slow at 1st, 3rd halfway, closer 4 out, ridden to challenge approaching last, led run-in and stayed on well, won at Thurles 2m beg chs sft in Nov beating Bob Lingo (11-12) by 3 1/2l, 15 ran.
Roi Du Mee (FR) 3-1 (11-7) Always prominent, improved to lead after 3 out, went clear entering straight, kept on well, comfortably, won at Limerick 2m 6f beg chs in Dec beating Gusda (11-9) by 8l, 16 ran.
Healys Bar (IRE) 7-2 (11-12) Towards rear, headway 4 out, chasing leaders in 4th when slight mistake 2 out, soon no impression and kept on same pace, 2nd of 16, 8l behind Osirixamix (11-12) at Limerick 2m 1f beg chase hvy in Jan.
Time Electric (IRE) 5-4fav (11-12) Led, headed 4th, 3rd halfway, mistake 3 out, ridden in close 4th 2 out, no extra before last, kept on same pace, 3rd of 16, 6l behind Montan (11-12) at Fairyhouse 2m 5f beg chase sft in Jan.
Inverglen (IRE) 9-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, ridden in 5th 3 out, soon no extra and weakened before next, 6th of 10, well behind Tharawaat (11-12) at Down Royal 2m 4f beg chs hvy in Dec.
