settled 3rd early, 2nd from 5th, led 6 out, slight mistake 4 out, slight mistake 3 out and challenged, ridden before straight, asserted before last, kept on well
led, headed 6 out, remained prominent, ridden in rear and and no extra 3 out
chased leader in 2nd, 3rd from 5th, disputed 3rd from 7th, mistake 4 out, challenged 3 out, ridden in 3rd before straight, no extra and kept on one pace
mistake 1st and rear, disputed 3rd from 7th, slight mistake 4 out, challenged 3 out, ridden in 2nd entering straight, no extra before last, kept on same pace
BACK IN FOCUS, a Grade 2 winner over timber, was one of the most impressive winners of the season so far at Listowel, jumping superbly and sauntering home with his head in his chest. He's taking on much better rivals here but looks the type to follow until beaten. Pride Of The Artic has done superbly to win his last four over fences though a penalty for his narrow Grade 3 victory last time gives him something to do. Tofino Bay made a winning start over fences and it was no disgrace to be narrowly defeated by the prolific Baily Green at Cork and the winner could give the form a boost in the previous race. Lyreen Legend made an impressive start to his chasing career at Galway and there's much more to come from the progressive five-year-old so he's no forlorn hope in a fascinating contest.
Back In Focus (IRE) 4-5fav (11-12) Made all, clear before 3 out, not extended, won at Listowel 2m 6f beg chs hvy in Sep beating White Star Line (11-12) by 33l, 12 ran.
Farrells Fancy (IRE) 9-2 (11-12) Made all, extended advantage after 3 out and kept on well in straight, won at Thurles 2m 6f beg chs in Oct beating Jetson (11-12) by 7l, 16 ran.
Sweeney Tunes 8-1 (11-12) Always prominent, 3rd halfway, headway to dispute 4 out and left in lead 2 out, in control when left well clear after last, easily, won at Thurles 2m 6f beg chs in Oct beating The Westener Boy (11-10) by 13l, 16 ran.
Lyreen Legend (IRE) 7-4fav (11-10) Close up and led 5th, got in a little close to 2 out and headed, 2nd before straight, soon led again and stayed on well from over 1f out, won at Galway 2m 6f beg chs hvy in Oct beating Ipsos Du Berlais (11-12) by 2 1/4l, 13 ran.
Pride Of The Artic (IRE) 4-1 (11-8) Made all, ridden and challenged 2 out, disputed briefly before last, kept on well under pressure to assert run-in, won at Tipperary 2m 4f nov chs (1) hvy in Oct beating Jacksonslady (10-9) by 1l, 9 ran.
Tofino Bay (IRE) 11-10fav (11-0) Raced last of the 3 and under pressure from early, went in pursuit of winner from before 4 out, kept on same pace straight without matching the winner, 2nd of 3, 1 1/2l behind Baily Green (11-8) at Cork 2m 4f nov chs Grd 3 (1).
