led, joined 4th, dropped to last after 5th, pulled up after next
prominent, on terms from 5th, jumped slightly left 3 out and at next, no impression in 3rd when fell last, remounted to finish
close up, on terms 4th, led approaching 5 out, soon joined, headed from before last, soon no impression, kept on same pace
in touch in rear, 3rd after 5th, on terms 4 out, soon close 3rd again, challenged from 2 out, led before last, asserted run-in, comfortably
Last year's Grand Annual winner Alderwood has the call on official ratings but hasn't been seen since a poor run at Naas in October. REAL DUBH hasn't won a race since the 2011 Powers Gold Cup but he's competed at a high level and has rarely been disgraced so this could be his day. Theatre Mill made a very good impression on his chasing debut in what looked a strong beginners' race at Limerick and there's much more to come from him while Toostrong has been running in tough handicaps and will find this more to his liking. Usa reverts to fences after a poor run back over hurdles at Punchestown and he'd shown promise in three starts over the bigger obstacles last summer.
Theatre Mill (IRE) 9-2 (11-12) Chased leader, led 4th, mistake 2 out, soon ridden, kept on well from last, won at Limerick 2m 1f beg chs gs in Apr beating Juan De Gracia (11-12) by 1 3/4l, 12 ran.
Realt Dubh (IRE) 10-1 (11-3) Held up towards rear, mistake 2nd, ridden in 5th and no impression 3 out, 5th of 7, 19l behind Texas Jack (11-8) at Thurles 2m 4f chs Grd 2 (1) sft in Jan.
Toostrong (FR) 12-1 (10-9) Always towards rear, ridden and no impression from 4 out, never a factor, 11th of 16, well behind Sammy Black (10-9) at Ballinrobe 2m 6f hcp chs gd in May.
Usa (IRE) 18-1 (11-12) Soon towards rear, never a factor, eased from before straight, completely tailed off, 23rd of 25, well behind Macnicholson (11-11) at Punchestown 2m hcp hdl 88-123 in May.
Alderwood (IRE) 6-1 (11-5) Always rear, blundered 1st and slow 2nd, raced wide, pushed along and no impression when left 4th and slight hampered 2 out, no extra when slow last, 4th of 6, 32l behind Twinlight (11-10) at Naas 2m chs Grade 3 (1) in Oct.
