ran 3rd, progress 2 out, travelled well to lead last, pushed out and stayed on well run-in
tracked leader, 2nd halfway, mistake 4 out, pushed along and slight mistake 2 out, soon no extra in 3rd, slight mistake last
always rear, never a factor, detached after halfway and tailed off before 3 out, completely tailed off
led, pushed along 2 out, headed last and no impression on winner run-in
A cracking little race but the fact that RULE THE WORLD (NAP) is still a maiden over fences and receives weight should swing things his way. A close second in two Grade 2 races, he occupied the same spot in the Irish National and was in contention with every chance when slipping approaching the last in the Galway Plate. A close third in the Kerry National followed and this should surely be his turn. The Game Changer is proving himself very smart over fences but regular pilot Bryan Cooper deserts him for the Gigginstown-owned selection and it's difficult to see him conceding 6lb. His trainer also runs Akorakor and the very progressive Miss Dinamic, though Viconte Du Noyer looks better than that pair having won a couple of minor races in facile fashion. Bashful Beauty made a successful debut over fences but has a mountain to climb in this company.
The Game Changer (IRE) 11-10fav (11-8) Held up 3rd, progress to 2nd 3 out, travelled well to lead narrowly before last where not fluent, ridden out, won at Roscommon 2m (1) gd in Sep beating Sizing Platinum (11-5) by 2 1/2l, 4 ran.
Viconte Du Noyer (FR) 4-5fav (11-8) Led and disputed, led 3 out, asserted before next, clear when slight mistake last, easily, won at Killarney 2m 5f gd in Aug beating Upazo (11-12) by 11l, 4 ran.
Bashful Beauty (IRE) 50-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, left in lead 6th, ridden and headed before 2 out, slight mistake 2 out and left in lead again, kept on well from before last, won at Ballinrobe 2m 1f sft in Sep beating Frontline (11-12) by 5 1/2l, 14 ran.
Rule The World 8-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, 2nd 5 out, ridden to challenge entering straight, disputed 2 out, headed before last, no extra in 3rd run-in, kept on same pace, 3rd of 17, 3 1/2l behind Rogue Angel (10-7) at Listowel 3m hcp hvy in Sep.
Akorakor (FR) 7-1 (11-0) Ran 6th, 7th after 8th, mistake in 9th 3 out, not fluent 2 out, no extra, 7th of 11, 37l behind A Decent Excuse (9-12) at Killarney 2m 5f hcp gd in Aug.
Miss Dinamic (IRE) 8-15fav (11-12) Made all, not fluent 2nd or 3 out, clear before 2 out, easily, won at Perth 2m 4f (4) gs in Sep beating Carinena (10-12) by 14l, 7 ran.
