ran 4th, 3rd 4 out, slight mistake 2 out and soon ridden, no impression in 4th and mistake last, no extra
ran 5th, 4th 4 out, ridden in 3rd approaching last, 2nd and no impression on winner run-in, kept on one pace
led, slight mistakes 5th and 8th, strongly pressed and headed 2 out, no impression on winner and mistake last, no extra run-in
tracked leader, slight mistake 2nd, 2nd halfway, slight mistake 8th, dropped to rear 4 out, pulled up before next
tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, 2nd 5 out, progress to lead 2 out, soon ridden and 2 lengths clear last, driven out and kept on well run-in
in rear, 5th 4 out, no impression after 2 out, ridden and kept on one pace into 3rd run-in
Gwencily Berbas is a very interesting recruit to fences having achieved a rating of 151 over timber with victories at Grade 2 and 3 level. He ended the last campaign with a poor run at Fairyhouse but his overall form entitles him to the greatest respect. LIEUTENANT COLONEL, a dual Grade 1 winner over hurdles, looks another classy recruit to the bigger obstacles and has the advantage of a victory over fences at Gowran earlier this month. He found that 2m2f a bit on the short side and may do so again here but that experience will stand him in good stead and can carry him through. Three Stars won a Grade 3 novice hurdle last November and, after a disappointing start over fences behind today's rival Baily Cloud, he jumped much better to beat Ball D'arc on heavy going at Listowel. The latter was well supported to go one better at Fairyhouse but unseated his rider at the first.
Baily Cloud (IRE) 14-1 (11-5) Soon raced in 2nd, on terms 5th, led 6th, soon went on, pushed along approaching straight, headed before 2 out, bumped slightly and one pace last, 3rd of 8, 6 1/2l behind Ridestan (11-1) at Gowran Park 2m (1) Yielding in Oct.
Ball D'Arc (FR) 5-6fav (11-12) Held up, mistake and unseated rider 1st, at Fairyhouse 2m gd in Oct.
Gwencily Berbas (FR) 4-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, ran freely, led 2nd, headed before 6th, no impression in 5th entering straight, slight mistake 2 out, weakened, 6th of 8, dist behind Value At Risk (11-3) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f (1) Yielding - Soft in Mar.
Lieutenant Colonel 4-6fav (11-12) Led, joined 2nd, soon headed, then raced in 2nd, on terms 7th, soon led again, joined approaching straight, led from 3 out, slight mistake 2 out and pressed, kept on well from last, won at Gowran Park 2m 2f Yielding in Oct beating Just Cause (11-12) by 1 1/2l, 13 ran.
Three Stars (IRE) 9-2 (11-12) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, left 2nd 6 out, led entering straight, asserted by 3-lengths before 2 out, ridden run-in, kept on well, won at Listowel 2m 1f hvy in Sep beating Ball D'arc (11-12) by 3l, 10 ran.
Colla Pier (IRE) 20-1 (10-8) Towards rear, went moderate 3rd approaching straight, jumped right 2 out and no extra, 4th of 8, 26 1/2l behind Ridestan (11-1) at Gowran Park 2m (1) Yielding in Oct.
