not fluent 2nd, chased leaders, niggled along before straight, 2nd and challenged 2 out, no impression and kept on same pace run-in
soon raced last of the 5, niggled along 5 out, no impression approaching next
tracked leader, led into straight, slight peck last, ridden out to assert run-in
led, headed into straight, 3rd 2 out, soon no impression under pressure, kept on same pace
waited with, mainly 4th of the 5, struggling approaching straight, soon no impression
No favourite has won this in nine renewals and FIRST LIEUTENANT looks certain to be market leader. Mouse Morris' high-class hurdler, a dual Grade 1 winner at Leopardstown and Cheltenham last season, makes his long-awaited debut over the bigger obstacles and is very difficult to oppose. Slieveardagh is penalised for his two chase victories and his accurate jumping will be a major bonus as another very useful hurdler, Far Away So Close, makes his chasing bow. The mare Credit Box has shown ability over the bigger obstacles but Granaruid has done even better and jumped like an old hand when beating Imperial Shabra at Kilbeggan.
Slieveardagh (IRE) 9-4fav (11-7) Soon chased leaders in 3rd, closer in 2nd after 5 out, on terms before straight, soon led, clear last, stayed on well, won at Listowel 2m 4f nov chs in Sep beating Action Master (11-4) by 3l, 6 ran.
Duroob 16-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, moderate 3rd halfway, 5th 4 out, ridden in 6th and bad mistake 3 out, soon no extra, 5th of 10, 25l behind Bacher Boy (11-12) at Downpatrick 2m 7f beg chase gd in Sep.
First Lieutenant (IRE) 13-8 (11-10) Chased leaders in 3rd, ridden in 4th entering straight, no impression in 3rd last, kept on same pace, 3rd of 6, 2 3/4l behind Spirit of Adjisa (11-10) at Punchestown 2m 4f nov hdl Grade 1 (1) gd in May.
Imperial Shabra (IRE) 8-1 (11-5) Chased leader in 2nd, led 6 out, ridden and headed before 2 out, no extra in 4th last, kept on one pace, 6th of 13, 21l behind Golan Guy (11-12) at Downpatrick 2m 2f beg chs gd in Sep.
Credit Box (IRE) 16-1 (11-7) Held up towards rear, ridden in 7th 3 out, kept on same pace from next, 6th of 9, 9l behind Eagle's Pass (11-12) at Killarney 2m 4f nov chs gd in Aug.
Far Away So Close (IRE) 6-1 (11-12) Led and soon clear at fast pace, ridden and headed after 2 out, dropped to 3rd entering straight, kept on one paced from last, 3rd of 7, 13l behind Shot From The Hip (11-12) at Punchestown 2m nov hdl G2 (1) gd in May.
Granaruid (IRE) 3-1fav (11-12) Settled behind leaders, 4th halfway, 3rd before 3 out, improved to lead 2 out, ridden before last, kept on well run-in, won at Kilbeggan 2m 4f beg chs gd in Sep beating Imperial Shabra (11-5) by 6l, 9 ran.
