held up and ran freely early, 4th halfway, progress to challenge 3 out, soon led, disputed 2 out, asserted before last, ridden and kept on well run-in
held up in rear, 6th before 3 out, ridden in 4th and no impression 2 out, kept on one pace to 3rd run-in, just held 3rd close home
chased leaders early, 6th halfway, mistake 4 out, ridden in rear 3 out, kept on same pace from last, just held for 3rd
chased leaders, 3rd halfway, progress to lead briefly 3 out, ridden in 3rd next, no extra run-in
chased leaders, disputed from 4th, ridden in 5th 3 out, soon no extra
held up, 5th halfway, progress in 4th 3 out, ridden to dispute 2 out, under pressure in 2nd before last, kept on same pace
led, disputed from 4th, ridden after 4 out, headed 3 out, no extra before next, kept on one pace
City Slicker completed a double on this track over the minimum trip before travelling to Ascot for the Ladbroke where he started favourite despite looking poorly handicapped. He weakened very quickly over that 2m4f, though that didn't look his true form. He has a penalty to carry and isn't certain to beat stablemate Bishopsfurze, better known as a chaser these days but a winner over hurdles at Thurles in November. UN BEAU MATIN is taken to beat the two Willie Mullins representatives though he couldn't handle the stable's Boston Bob here on New Year's Eve. He was attempting to concede that classy winner 8lb and had Whodoyouthink well behind in third so this looks a good opportunity to go one better. The remaining trio will need to find some improvement to take a hand.
City Slicker (IRE) 6-1fav (10-13) Took keen hold, tracked leaders, went 2nd 4th until approaching 2 out, weakened soon after 2 out, 13th of 20, 40l behind Willow's Saviour (10-5) at Ascot 2m hcp hdl Grade 3 (1) sft in Dec.
Mazuri Cowboy (IRE) 40-1 (11-11) Held up in last, progress into 3rd 5 out, improved to lead entering straight, ridden and narrowly headed 2 out when left clear, tired run-in, just held on, won at Limerick 2m 3f hdl hvy in Dec beating Real Steel (11-11) by nk, 5 ran.
Bishopsfurze (IRE) 12-1 (11-2) Held up early, tended to jump left, tracked leaders before halfway, lost place 3 out, no extra from before next, 6th of 7, 30l behind Marito (11-9) at Tramore 2m 5f lst chs (1) hvy.
Luska Lad (IRE) 8-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, tended to jump left, pushed along 4th, 5th approaching 4 out, lost place next, soon no extra, 9th of 11, 38l behind Upazo (11-6) at Fairyhouse 2m hdl in Dec.
Shamiran (IRE) 25-1 (10-9) Tracked leaders, 5th halfway, ridden and no impression 2 out, no extra entering straight and weakened, 18th of 21, well behind Courage (10-1) at Leopardstown 3m hcp hdl sft in Dec.
Un Beau Matin (IRE) 6-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, went 2nd 5 out, led 2 out and soon ridden, strongly pressed entering straight, headed at last, kept on without threatening winner run-in, 2nd of 7, 10l behind Boston Bob (11-4) at Punchestown 2m 4f hdl hvy in Dec.
Whodoyouthink (IRE) 33-1 (11-4) Led, pushed along 4 out, soon strongly pressed, headed 2 out, dropped to moderate 3rd entering straight, kept on one paced, 3rd of 7, 21l behind Boston Bob (11-4) at Punchestown 2m 4f hdl hvy in Dec.
