led or disputed lead, led 7th, ridden and headed entering straight, dropped to 4th after 2 out and no extra
prominent and disputed lead, led entering straight and travelling best approaching last, kept on well run-in, easily
tracked leaders, 4th 4 out, ridden approaching straight and no extra from 2 out
settled in rear, went 3rd after 2 out and 2nd when mistake last, kept on run-in but no chance with winner
tracked leaders, 3rd 4 out, went 2nd 2 out and soon ridden, dropped to 3rd when mistake last, no impression run-in
Milborough defied a long absence to land some nice bets at Tramore and though taking on better rivals there's more to come and he has to be considered. Kilcrea won a bumper and scored between the flags and looked a potentially useful heavy ground performer when scoring at Limerick. Conditions will be in his favour as they will for Love Rory, who caused a shock when beating the strongly fancied Umpact at Limerick over Christmas. BALLYCASEY has been making steady progress and looked one to follow after a very smooth victory over Noble Pageant at Clonmel. He faces tougher rivals here but should be up to the task and looks another for the champion trainer. Bonisland did very well in a Grade 2 at Navan in November but not so well when fancied there last month though he lost several lengths at the start.
Love Rory (IRE) 25-1 (11-3) Soon raced in 2nd, niggled along 3 out, ridden approaching straight, led 2 out, soon in command, ridden out run-in, won at Limerick 2m 4yo hdl hvy in Dec beating Umpact (11-3) by 5l, 6 ran.
Ballycasey (IRE) 4-6fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, disputed halfway and led 5 out, travelling best in straight and asserted approaching last, drew clear run-in, won at Clonmel 2m 4f Amateur Maiden Hurdle (4yo+) in Dec beating Noble Pageant (11-4) by 7l, 15 ran.
Kilcrea (IRE) 7-4fav (11-12) Soon tracked leaders in 3rd, improved to lead and dispute from 4 out, tired and stayed on best from last, won at Limerick 2m 6f mdn hdl hvy in Dec beating Malt Gem (11-5) by 3/4l, 10 ran.
Milborough (IRE) 5-2fav (11-4) Soon mid-division, closer order 4 out, 3rd after 3 out, challenged and on terms going well before next, led last and pushed out to maintain advantage run-in, won at Tramore 2m 5f mdn hdl hvy beating Akatara (10-4) by 2l, 11 ran.
Bonisland 13-8 (11-8) Slowly into stride and raced last, went 4th 3 out, soon ridden, no impression from next, 4th of 6, 7l behind Rule The World (11-12) at Navan 2m 4f nh nov hdl hvy in Dec.
