towards rear, last 3 out, ridden next, 6th last, kept on
tracked leaders in 3rd, ridden approaching 2 out, no extra early straight
soon led, headed after 4 out, led again after 2 out, headed early straight, weakened before last
tracked leaders in 5th, not fluent 3rd, 4th from halfway, close 2nd travelling well after 2 out, led before last, ran on well, not extended, very easily
held up in rear, took closer order in 6th 3 out, 3rd and effort before last, no impression, one pace
tracked leaders on inner, 5th halfway, 7th 3 out, 5th and ridden next, kept on under pressure from before last, no chance with winner
settled 2nd, led after 4 out, ridden after next, headed after 2 out, one pace under pressure from before last
held up towards rear, some progress into 5th 3 out, no extra from next
VOLER LA VEDETTE is well clear on official ratings and providing she is fit enough after her long break should be too good for these. Colm Murphy's mare was well beaten in the Irish Champion Hurdle on her final start last season but a quartet of Listed and Grade 3 victories earlier, including when easily landing this, suggests today's renewal is well within her compass and she has twice returned from long breaks with victories. Elyaadi is progressing nicely and her victory over Macville at Listowel was given a boost when the runner-up scored subsequently. She was conceding Alpine Glade almost a stone when easily beating that rival on the flat at Leopardstown in May and should have the edge here despite the latter showing better form over timber. Star Wood is tough and mainly consistent but was a long way behind the selection here in May.
Alpine Glade (IRE) 12-1 (11-10) Held up in last, headway from 4 out, went 4th travelling well on outer 2 out, led last and quickened well run-in, comfortably, won at Killarney 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-140 gf in Aug beating Novel Investment (11-6) by 5l, 13 ran.
Grangeclare Gold (IRE) 8-1 (11-5) Mid-division, 8th 5 out, no impression from 3 out, 8th of 12, 16l behind Hunting Tower (11-1) at Listowel 2m 4f hcp hdl gd in Sep.
Gudnis Gracious Me (IRE) 5-1 (11-3) Made all and soon clear of remainder with 2nd, attempted to assert before straight, soon strongly pressed, stayed on gamely run-in, won at Galway 2m hcp hdl 8Evens30 gf in Aug beating St Devote (10-13) by 1l, 12 ran.
Voler La Vedette (IRE) 7-1 (11-7) Held up in rear on inner, some headway on outer 3 out, no extra from next, 9th of 11, 28l behind Hurricane Fly (11-12) at Punchestown 2m hdl G1 gd in Apr.
Elyaadi 15-8fav (11-10) Held up towards rear, headway 3 out, 4th entering straight, 2nd travelling well 2 out, led approaching last, easily, won at Listowel 2m 4f mare hcp hdl 8Evens16 gd in Sep beating Macville (11-1) by 2 1/2l, 18 ran.
Star Wood (IRE) 10-1 (10-13) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, headway into 2nd 3 out, ridden entering straight, under pressure in 3rd 2 out, kept on same pace, left 2nd last, no impression winner, 2nd of 10, 3l behind St Devote (10-10) at Listowel 2m hcp hdl in Sep.
Ocean Bright (USA) 16-1 (10-3) Tracked leaders in 4th, ridden after 3 out, 6th 2 out, kept on same pace, 5th of 10, 7l behind I Hear A Symphony (11-12) at Sligo 2m 4f hcp hdl 8Evens16 in Sep.
Sarah Collins (IRE) 50-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, 5th halfway, went 3rd 3 out, ridden and no impression after 2 out, kept on one pace, 3rd of 11, 15l behind Cass Bligh (11-12) at Clonmel 2m nov hdl in Sep.
Lizzie Bennett (IRE) 7-1 (11-7) Well off pace in mid-division, moderate 7th approaching 5 out, ridden into 2nd and chased winner 2 out, closed approaching last where mistake and almost unseated rider, not recover, dropped to 3rd close home, 3rd of 13, 6l behind Steeltown (11-12) at Roscommon 2m nov hdl in Sep.
