held up, 5th halfway, progress into 3rd approaching 2 out, went 2nd before last, soon ridden and no impression, dropped to 3rd close home
tracked leaders, 4th halfway, pushed along in 3rd before 2 out, soon ridden and no extra
towards rear, 6th halfway, ridden in 5th before 2 out, 4th when slightly untidy last, kept on well to go 2nd close home
almost prominent, slightly hampered 4th, 2nd halfway, pushed along to lead 2 out, ridden and 2 lengths clear last, kept on well
always towards rear, never a factor
led, slight mistake and hampered rival 4th, 2 lengths lead halfway, pushed along and headed approaching 2 out, soon ridden and no extra before last
mid division, 3rd halfway, pushed along in 4th after 3 out, soon ridden and no extra before 2 out
There was no doubting the authority with which LIBERTY DANCE won here early this month, travelling well throughout and quickening clear. That was only a maiden and this is much tougher but it looks onwards and upwards for the dual bumper winner. The Model Kingdom was unbeaten in three bumpers and a maiden hurdle before a close third in a Down Royal Grade 3. She got back on the winning trail with a comfortable victory at Punchestown and looks certain to get into contention. Cork Bumper winner Belle The Lioness made a nice start over timber in a huge field at Punchestown while Rocco Bay, a winning bumper and hurdler, found heavy ground against her on her reappearance at Wexford.
The Model Kingdom (IRE) 7-4fav (11-5) Held up, slight mistake 4th, 5th halfway, closer in 4th 3 out, slight mistake next, travelled well into 2nd entering straight, disputed before last, narrow lead and jumped slightly left last, ridden to assert run-in, comfortably, won at Punchestown 2m Yielding in Nov beating Halibut (12-0) by 4 1/4l, 6 ran.
A Law Of Her Own (IRE) 12-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, not fluent 3rd, 4th halfway, bad mistake 3 out, pushed along in 3rd before 2 out and soon ridden to challenge on outer, no impression before last and kept on same pace run-in, 3rd of 15, 11 1/2l behind Liberty Dance (11-7) at Thurles 2m mdn Yielding in Dec.
Belle The Lioness (IRE) 9-2 (11-5) Tracked leaders on inner, went 3rd 3 out, improved to dispute lead 2 out, headed entering straight, ridden to lead before last, strongly pressed at last, headed after last, kept on same pace inside final furlong, 2nd of 21, 2 1/2l behind Intranet (11-12) at Punchestown 2m mdn Yielding - Soft in Nov.
Liberty Dance (IRE) 5-6fav (11-7) Tracked leaders and 3rd halfway, not fluent and slightly hampered 3 out, progress to challenge between horses before next where again not fluent, soon led and kept on well run-in, won at Thurles 2m mdn Yielding in Dec beating Foxy Girl (10-13) by 4 1/2l, 15 ran.
Littel Flour (IRE) 9-2 (11-5) Soon led, jumped left and hampered rival 1st, headed 5th, 15 lengths 2nd 4 out, distance behind clear leader before 2 out, pushed along and pressed for 2nd close home, no match for winner, 2nd of 10, dist behind Gaelic Warrior (11-12) at Tramore 2m mdn sft in Dec.
Rocco Bay (IRE) 11-4 (11-1) Tracked leaders, went 2nd at 8th, slight mistake 4 out, pushed along and no extra approaching straight, weakened quickly and pulled up before 2 out, at Wexford 2m 5f hvy in Oct.
Well Funded (IRE) 10-1 (9-2) Tracked leaders, 6th halfway, headway early straight, 2nd and ridden 1 1/2f out, no impression on winner inside final furlong, kept on one pace, 2nd of 14, 1 3/4l behind Chutzpal (9-3) at Dundalk 2m hcp pol in Nov.
