chased leader in 2nd, 3rd halfway, dropped to 5th on inner 3 out, ridden into 4th entering straight, no impression leaders in 3rd before last, kept on same pace
held up early and keen hold, headway into 4th 5 out, 3rd next, pushed along to challenge entering straight, ridden to narrow lead before last, headed run-in and no extra, kept on same pace
chased leaders in 3rd, 2nd halfway, improved to narrow lead 3 out, ridden and challenged entering straight, narrowly headed before last, regained lead run-in and stayed on strongly closing stages
led, narrowly headed 3 out, ridden and no extra after next, weakened before last
held up, ridden in 6th after 3 out, no impression next, kept on one pace straight
chased leaders in 4th early, held up in 5th halfway, rear 5 out, pushed along next, ridden and no impression 3 out, weakened before straight, eased and tailed off
held up early, 4th before halfway, ridden after 2 out, soon no extra and kept on one pace from before last
Road To Riches had looked an outstanding prospect before a poor run in the Sefton at Aintree. He'll do better here provided the ground remains testing but once again Willie Mullins holds the key. INISH ISLAND has twice finished close up behind At Fishers Cross at Cheltenham and is a really smart prospect for chasing next season. At this stage he looks better than Ballycasey, another bright prospect but taking a big step up in grade. Jennies Jewel may come out best of the remainder with her allowances.
Ballycasey (IRE) 4-6fav (11-5) Prominent and disputed lead, led entering straight and travelling best approaching last, kept on well run-in, easily, won at Thurles 2m 6f nov hdl hvy in Jan beating Milborough (11-2) by 3l, 5 ran.
Inish Island (IRE) 13-2 (11-7) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 3 out, went 3rd before last, stayed on flat, just failed to get 2nd, no impression on winner, 3rd of 13, 5l behind At Fishers Cross (11-7) at Cheltenham 3m nov hdl Grade 1 (1) sft in Mar.
Morning Assembly (IRE) 20-1 (11-5) Rear of mid-division, moderate 7th 4 out, plenty to do at rear of main pack in remote 7th when fell 3 out, in a race won by Mala Beach (11-4) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f nov hdl G2 (1) sft in Mar, 10 ran.
Road To Riches (IRE) 11-2 (11-4) Mid-division, not fluent 1st, hit 4th, went 2nd 6th until ridden after 4 out, weakened from 3 out, 8th of 9, well behind At Fishers Cross (11-4) at Aintree 3m nov hdl Grade 1 (1) gs.
Seefood (IRE) 7-1 (11-4) Held up in touch, closed before 7th, challenged approaching 3 out, hung left and no impression on winner when dropped to 3rd flat, 3rd of 8, 17l behind Ubak (11-4) at Aintree 2m 4f nov hdl G2 (1) gs.
Follow The Sign (IRE) 12-1 (10-9) Towards rear on outer, under pressure 3 out, no impression, 17th of 20, well behind Call Rog (10-13) at Fairyhouse 3m nov hcp hdl sft in Mar.
Jennies Jewel (IRE) 28-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders in 5th, ridden from 3 out, went moderate 3rd from 2 out, kept on one paced, 3rd of 6, 27l behind Annie Power (11-6) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f Mares Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) (4yo+) (1) sft in Mar.
