chased leader in 2nd, led 2nd, headed 6th, regained lead 4 out, asserted entering straight, in command when fell 2 out, remounted to finish tailed off 3rd
settled in 3rd, slight mistake 3 out, soon ridden and no impression entering straight, left 2nd 2 out, no impression leader before last where slight mistake, kept on same pace
led, headed 2nd, led again 6th, headed 4 out, ridden entering straight, no impression leader approaching 2 out where left in lead, kept on same pace from before last
Disappointingly just three runners line up for this chase and it is hard to see past ARCHIE BOY, who can give weight and a beating to his two rivals. The selection showed progressive form as a novice last season, winning five times, and was good value for his reappearance success at Killarney earlier this month when beating Lucky Wish by three lengths. Andrew Lynch's Coscorrig won well at Cork recently to gain his first success over the larger obstacles at the eighth attempt and has claims but this is tougher and of more interest may be Paul Nolan's See U Bob, who disappointed at Aintree last month but has every chance on earlier form at Thurles and Leopardstown. He is less exposed than Archie Boy after just three starts over fences but Paul Flynn's gelding has the proven form and is preferred.
Archie Boy (IRE) 4-1 (11-9) Soon led, joined approaching straight, strongly pressed when left with advantage 2 out, stayed on well run-in, won at Killarney 2m 4f chs gd beating Lucky Wish (10-13) by 3l, 6 ran.
See U Bob (IRE) 10-1 (11-4) Held up towards rear, hit 6th, hampered 8th, never dangerous, 7th of 10, 30l behind Tataniano (11-4) at Aintree 2m nov chs G1 (1) gd in Apr.
Coscorrig (IRE) 15-8fav (11-7) Led racing keenly, settled and headed before halfway, led again approaching straight, ridden clear from last, kept on weakened, won at Cork 2m beg chase gf beating Celtic Strand (10-13) by 5l, 17 ran.
