tracked leaders in 5th, ridden in 4th on outer 2 out, kept on same pace in 4th run-in
disputed lead, ridden and led 2 out, headed before last, kept on same pace in 2nd run-in
in rear, pushed along 4 out, moderate 7th 2 out, kept on one paced straight
always behind, pushed along and trailing 3 out, never a factor
towards rear, pushed along 3 out, soon no impression, never a factor
tracked leaders in 3rd, 4th from 3rd, ridden in 5th 2 out, went 4th entering straight, 3rd at last, kept on without threatening in 3rd run-in
tracked leaders in 4th and took keen hold, went 3rd at 3rd, went close 2nd 2 out, ridden to lead before last, stayed on well run-in
disputed lead, ridden and headed 2 out, soon weakened quickly
Several decent chasers revert to hurdles for this including Texas Jack. But the latter has been struggling over fences of late and NOBLE EMPEROR (NAP) is preferred. Tony Martin's charge won his only previous start over timber and makes a quick reappearance after coming a cropper in a chase at Limerick just three days ago. Barry Geraghty prefers him to Double Seven with the latter returning from a lengthy absence. Embracing Change is another winning chaser back over hurdles but Seabass won a novice event over the smaller obstacles at Thurles recently and also makes more appeal than High Stratos, placed over these hurdles last time.
High Stratos 14-1 (11-9) Soon raced in 4th, pushed along 6th, slight mistake 7th, no impression from before 2 out, kept on in 3rd straight, 3rd of 7, 8 1/4l behind Thomas Hobson (11-8) at Punchestown 2m 4f sft in Dec.
Seabass (IRE) 20-1 (11-3) Tracked leader, 2nd halfway, led approaching straight, asserted approaching last and stayed on well run-in, won at Thurles 2m 6f Soft - Heavy in Dec beating Just Cause (11-8) by 6l, 6 ran.
Double Seven (IRE) 10-1jfav (10-11) In touch, blundered 5th, mistake 10th, switched towards outside 17th, ridden to chase leaders after 3 out, stayed on to press for 2nd approaching elbow, no impression with winner, 3rd of 40, 6 1/4l behind Pineau De Re (10-6) at Aintree 4m 3f hcp (1) gs in Apr.
Embracing Change (IRE) 12-1 (10-9) Tracked leaders, 2nd 4 out, ridden in 2nd 3 out, no impression on leaders next, 3rd when mistake at last, 3rd of 20, 12 1/4l behind Heathfield (9-13) at Punchestown 3m 6f hcp sft in May.
Lindenhurst (IRE) 33-1 (11-5) Prominent, dropped to mid-division and pushed along after 5th, badly hampered approaching 3 out, no impression after, no extra, tailed off, 9th of 13, dist behind Fethard Player (11-10) at Down Royal 2m hcp Yielding in Oct.
Massini's Trap (IRE) 20-1 (11-5) Rear of mid-division, moderate 8th before straight, soon one pace, 7th of 15, 13 1/2l behind Mrs Mac Veale (11-3) at Naas 2m 4f hcp Yielding in Nov.
Noble Emperor (IRE) 8-1 (11-10) Mid-division, 6th from 7th, fell 10th, at Limerick 2m 4f hcp hvy in Dec.
Texas Jack (IRE) 20-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, not fluent 11th, behind when pulled up before next, at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp (1) sft in Dec.
