tracked leaders, slightly slow 7 out, close up and on terms from 3 out, no extra under pressure and kept on same pace run-in
close up, mistake 1st, dropped to 3rd and ridden before straight, soon no impression and kept on same pace
made most, not fluent and pecked 3 out, on terms next, stayed on best under pressure run-in to assert closing stages
in rear, no danger from 7 out
chased leaders, squeezed along at stages, moderate 4th approaching 7 out, soon struggling, pulled up before last
Follow The Plan joined the list of very good chasers who have won this when successful last season but was receiving 5lb from Roberto Goldback and beat him just a neck. The latter would have reversed the form and taken the Grade 1 Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup in May but for unseating his rider at the last and looks the better of the pair this time around. APT APPROACH was 6l behind Roberto Goldback in a Grade 2 at Leopardstown in 2010 but has made such good progress recently that he can turn the tables and take this. Willie Mullins' charge was receiving 10lb when beating Tranquil Sea at Tramore on New Year's Day but looked an improved performer and should have no problems seeing off third-placed The Fonze.
Follow The Plan (IRE) 33-1 (11-10) Towards rear, ridden in 7th after 3 out, 6th under pressure entering straight, no extra, 6th of 9, 45l behind Synchronised (11-10) at Leopardstown 3m chs G1 (1) gd in Dec.
Roberto Goldback (IRE) 25-1 (11-10) Tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, dropped to 6th before 3 out, kept on under pressure in straight to go 4th at last, no impression run-in and kept on one pace, 4th of 9, 14l behind Synchronised (11-10) at Leopardstown 3m chs G1 (1) gd in Dec.
Apt Approach (IRE) 5-1 (11-2) Disputed lead, definite leader 3 out, pressed and joined before next, soon in front again and stayed on well under pressure to draw clear run-in, won at Tramore 2m 5f lst chs (1) hvy beating Tranquil Sea (11-12) by 6l, 6 ran.
Arabella Boy (IRE) 16-1 (11-5) Waited with in rear, no impression straight, went moderate 3rd and kept on same pace under pressure from 2 out, 3rd of 6, 18l behind Final Approach (11-12) at Cork 2m hdl hvy.
The Fonze (IRE) 10-1 (11-9) Waited with towards rear, headway to track leaders from 6 out, 4th after 3 out, no impression and kept on same pace from before next, 3rd of 6, 19l behind Apt Approach (11-2) at Tramore 2m 5f lst chs (1) hvy.
