tracked leaders, took keen hold, 3rd when mistake at 11th, close enough in 3rd when fell 2 out
tracked leaders, went 2nd from 11th, ridden and no impression on winner from 2 out, well held by winner at last, rider dropped a rein inside final furlong, stayed on without troubling winner close home
tracked leaders, ridden in 4th when left 3rd 2 out, no impression on leaders, kept on one pace in 3rd run-in
tracked leader in 2nd, dropped to 4th and pushed along at 10th, weakened 12th, trailing when pulled up before 4 out
made all, travelling well 2 out, went clear entering straight, pushed along run-in, stayed on well, comfortably
held up in rear, not fluent at 2nd, badly hampered at 9th and soon trailing, no impression when pulled up before 4 out
towards rear, mistake 6th and jumped left next, slightly closer in moderate 6th when jumped badly left 4 out, again jumped badly left next and no impression, trailing when pulled up before last
mid-division, not fluent 1st and 2nd, slight stumble after 5th, ridden in moderate 5th 2 out, no impression in moderate 4th straight
rear of mid-division, fell 9th
Round The Buoy won handicaps over timber here and at Thurles early last year and is one to note on his chasing bow. Dual hurdles winner Cahirdown Boy ran his best race to date over fences at Limerick last month while From The Ashes has been racing against strong opposition and makes his handicap debut over fences. Old Soul makes his debut over the bigger obstacles after winning over hurdles here last month but his yard look to have a better chance with SALMANINO. The latter bumped into a smart one at Down Royal last time and was only beaten three lengths so can go one better. Speed Gang had a confidence booster over timber after falling when in touch two out on his chasing bow at Tramore.
Cahirdown Boy (IRE) 10-3 (11-9) Chased leader, 3rd halfway, went 2nd 3 out, challenged 2 out, soon ridden and kept on, no impression on winner, 2nd of 12, 7l behind Bonnie Kellie (11-1) at Limerick 2m 2f hcp Soft - Heavy in Dec.
From The Ashes (IRE) 50-1 (11-12) Towards rear, mistake and unseated rider 2nd, at Punchestown 2m 7f Soft - Heavy in Dec.
Old Soul (FR) 22-1 (10-12) Always prominent, led 3rd, joined briefly 5th, headed before 5 out, pushed along in 3rd 2 out, ridden and led again entering straight, 2 lengths lead when not fluent last, stayed on well, won at Punchestown 2m 7f hcp Yielding in Dec beating Ballyglass Beauty (10-8) by 1 1/4l, 18 ran.
Round The Buoy 8-1 (11-13) Disputed lead early, headed at 3rd, slight mistake 6th and dropped to mid-division, ridden 3 out, weakened, pulled up before last, at Leopardstown 3m hcp Yielding in Mar.
Salmanino (FR) 13-2 (11-12) Led or disputed, headed halfway, 2nd when carried left before 2 out (usual 3 out), soon ridden in 3rd, 2nd again when swerved around bypassed usual 2 out, no impression, kept on one pace, 2nd of 10, 3l behind Innovated (11-12) at Down Royal 2m 4f sft in Dec.
Simply Shabra (IRE) 6-1 (11-4) Towards rear, headway before 2nd, 5th halfway, improved to 3rd before 4 out, closed after 3 out, led narrowly before 2 out where mistake and headed, no impression in 3rd closing stages, 3rd of 11, 6l behind Cadatharla (11-7) at Naas 2m 3f hcp sft in Jan.
Speed Gang (IRE) 7-2fav (12-0) Mid-division, 6th on inner halfway, headway to dispute lead entering straight, pushed along after 2 out and led early run-in, ridden and headed 100 yards out, no extra, 4th of 16, 4l behind Crossgaleschicflic (11-2) at Fairyhouse 2m 6f hcp Yielding - Soft in Dec.
Coolcullen (IRE) 200-1 (11-4) Disputed lead, headed at 4th, 3rd at next, ridden 5 out, weakened, 11th of 15, dist behind Fil Dor (11-4) at Navan 2m 1f sft in Nov.
Low Mileage (IRE) 200-1 (11-4) Always behind, off pace throughout, never a factor, 6th of 8, dist behind Journey With Me (11-12) at Naas 2m 4f Yielding - Soft in Dec.