soon tracked leader in 2nd, led after 2nd, disputed at 5th, mistake 7th and soon 2nd, pushed along before 3 out, ridden before 2 out, no impression leader, kept on same pace
ran 4th, not fluent 1st and detached, slow jump 2nd and 3rd, reminders after 4th, never a factor, completely tailed off
settled 3rd off pace, no impression leaders and driven after 3 out, not fluent 2 out, kept on one pace
soon led, 2nd after 2nd, disputed at 5th, led after 7th, pushed along before 2 out, asserted before last, kept on well, comfortably
Henry De Bromhead has a good record in this and SIZING JOHN has the scope to be a force over fences. A Grade 1 winner over hurdles and twice placed behind Douvan later, he made an impressive start over fences here last month and will take some beating. Lord Scoundrel will not go down without a fight as he attempts to remain unbeaten over the bigger obstacles. He has finished in front of some smart performers in the process and it will take a good performance to lower his colours. My Hometown, a winning point to pointer and hurdler, started favourite for his chasing bow at Naas a couple of weeks ago but a long absence took its toll in the closing stages and he should do better. Ballyroe Rambler failed to jump with any fluency on his debut over fences at Fairyhouse and will need to make major progress to take a hand here.
Lord Scoundrel (IRE) 4-7fav (11-3) Chased leader in 2nd, led after 2nd, not fluent 8th, pressed from 3 out and almost joined next, ridden before last and kept on well run-in, won at Cork 2m 4f (1) sft in Nov beating Rightdownthemiddle (11-0) by 2 3/4l, 4 ran.
Ballyroe Rambler (IRE) 16-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, a little keen, soon 3rd, not fluent 3 out, no impression 2 out, no extra in 4th from between last 2, 4th of 5, 19 1/4l behind Solita (11-5) at Fairyhouse 2m Yielding in Nov.
My Hometown (IRE) 5-4fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, soon 4th, slight mistake 3rd, pushed along and joined for 4th into straight, no impression from before 2 out, one pace, 4th of 8, 14 3/4l behind Velvet Maker (11-12) at Naas 2m Yielding in Nov.
Sizing John 2-11fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, a little keen, soon 2nd, on terms 4th, soon led, jumped well, pushed along to assert from 2 out, stayed on well run-in, easily, won at Punchestown 2m gd in Oct beating Mr Diablo (11-12) by 7 1/2l, 5 ran.
