led, ridden and headed before last, soon 3rd and no extra
pressed leader, ridden after 2 out, soon weakened
chased leaders, raced keenly, went 2nd after 2 out, ridden and every chance briefly on home bend, no impression on winner when stumbled slightly last
raced freely, held up in 4th, went 3rd after 2 out, led before last, soon clear, ran on well
took keen hold in last, lost touch 2 out, well behind when fell last
FRANCIS OF ASSISI has trod a well-worn path by joining John Ferguson having shown good form on the Flat when running in the blue of Godolphin. He won a Listed race over 7f at Leopardstown in 2013 and should last home on the sharp track so gets the nod to beat progressive Bangor winner Agenor in receipt of 7lb. Are They Your Own has already won twice over timber but that's earned him a double penalty and he disappointed last time. Run Hurricane fell on his UK debut while Closest Friend tackles hurdles for the first time after more than a year on the sidelines.
Are They Your Own (IRE) 10-1 (11-12) Tracked leader, weakened 3 out, 5th of 7, dist behind Curious Carlos (11-5) at Bangor 2m 4f (4) gs in Aug.
Agenor (GER) 10-1 (10-13) Made all, soon 6 lengths clear, pressed from 4 out, drew clear approaching last, very easy, won at Bangor 2m 1f mdn (5) gd in Aug beating Sacred Square (11-0) by 13l, 6 ran.
Closest Friend 16-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, reminders after 4th, never dangerous, 5th of 8, dist behind A Tail Of Intrigue (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m mdn (5) gd in Jun.
Francis Of Assisi (IRE) 12-1 (9-4) 9th of 12, 16 1/2l behind Flying The Flag (9-3) at Meydan 1m 2f hcp gd in Feb.
Run Hurricane (IRE) 33-1 (10-13) Took keen hold early, in rear, tailed off when unseated rider 3 out, at Chepstow 2m (4) gd in Apr.
