mid-division, fell 1st
held up in mid-division, closer in 4th 4 out, ridden before straight, under pressure 2 out, kept on one pace from before last
led, joined before straight, led after 2 out, pushed along and joined again last where mistake and unseated rider
chased leader in 2nd, 3rd 3 out, ridden and no impression 2 out, under pressure in 4th before last, closer and left 3rd last, kept on into 2nd run-in
settled behind leaders, 4th halfway, mistake and unseated rider 4 out
mid-division, hampered 1st and soon towards rear, weakened 4 out, tailed off
held up towards rear, closer in 5th 3 out, ridden before straight, stayed on into 3rd last and slight mistake, left 2nd, no extra run-in, dropped to 3rd closing stages
settled behind leaders, 3rd halfway, closer 3 out, disputed before straight, ridden in 2nd after 2 out, stayed on and disputed again last when left in front, kept on well run-in
This has been won by some smart hunter-chasers and UCELLO CONTI can continue the trend. Gordon Elliott's charge, runner-up to Anibale Fly in the Paddy Power just over a year ago, was probably in need of the run when scrambling home in a point at Aghabullogue a week ago and will be ready for this. Gwencily Berbas, a Grade 2 winning hurdler, was also useful over regulation fences and was returning from a long break when runner-up at Mainstown two weeks ago. Chosen Dream has the advantage of Derek O'Connor in the saddle and he produced a real shock when landing a very strong Stratford hunter's event in June while Blue Templar is useful over banks courses though has never won.
Macs Legend (IRE) 6-4 (12-2) Mid-div, 6th aftr a mile, 2nd aftr 4out, ld gng best bef 2out & 4l adv gng best when gd jump last, easily, won at Dromahane 3m in Dec beating B L Swagger (12-2) by 6l, 11 ran.
Chosen Dream (IRE) 3-1 (12-2) Rcd in rr, last 1/2way, went 4th 2out & chall bef last, kow, 2nd of 5, 4l behind Coastal Tiep (12-2) at Kirkistown 3m gd in Nov.
Gwencily Berbas (FR) 4-1 (11-11) Chsd ldr, ld 6out, hdd 4out, 2nd 3out, chan 2out, sow bef last, rallying, 2nd of 5, shd behind Longhouse Music (11-6) at Mainstown 3m gd in Jan.
Samanntom (IRE) 3-1 (11-6) Ww, 3rd 5out, clsr on inner 4out, ev chan 3out, nt qckn with ldrs bef 2out, kow bhnd, 3rd of 5, 2l behind Longhouse Music (11-6) at Mainstown 3m gd in Jan.
Sidetracked 5-2fav (12-0) Soon raced in 3rd, a little keen, switched right to inner straight, on terms before 2 out, quickly led, stayed on well to assert run-in, won at Clonmel 2m 5f mdn Good - Yielding in Jan beating Kiera Royale (11-7) by 2 3/4l, 7 ran.
Blue Templar (IRE) 7-1 (11-7) Prominent, 4th approaching 17th, on terms when pecked slightly 21st, mistake 5 out and headed, 4th from 3 out, no extra from before next, 6th of 14, 33 1/4l behind Josies Orders (11-12) at Punchestown 3m sft in Apr.
Myrons (IRE) 3-1 (12-0) In rear, closed 4 out, challenged and every chance 2 out, slight mistake last, one pace and dropped to 3rd closing stages, 3rd of 7, 3 1/4l behind Sidetracked (12-0) at Clonmel 2m 5f mdn Good - Yielding in Jan.
Ucello Conti (FR) 5-4 (12-2) Mid-div, 3rd frm 7th, 2l 2nd bef 6out, mstk 3out, ld aftr 2out, 2l adv at last, held on well cl home, won at Aghabullogue 3m gd in Jan beating Sydney Paget (12-2) by 1/2l, 9 ran.
Home Farm (IRE) 6-4 (11-11) Chsd ldrs, 4th 1/2way, pushed aft 3out, sn no ex, ko bhnd in str, 4th of 7, 13l behind Old Supporter (11-11) at Stradbally 3m in May.
