chased leader, closer in 3rd at 3rd, no impression and left 4th 2 out, no extra, kept on one pace
chased leaders, 6th halfway, not fluent 5th, ridden after 3 out, no impression when slightly hampered and left 5th 2 out, no extra
led, headed 2 out, no impression on winner last, kept on one pace
ran 4th, progress into 2nd after 3 out, led next, ridden to assert before last, kept on well run-in
chased leader, ran freely, closer in 2nd at 3rd, pushed along in 3rd and fell 2 out
ran 5th, pushed along approaching straight, left 3rd 2 out, no impression before last, kept on run-in
held up in rear, ridden and no impression after 3 out, slightly hampered next, no extra
Stocktons Wing looked a very nice hurdling prospect in 2012 then lost the plot before showing signs of a revival on the Flat this summer. His big weight is reduced by the claim of Ger Fox and he's expected to give a good account. Xsquared is now 11lb higher than his victory at Bellewstown in June but has continued to run well on the Flat and over hurdles and can't be dismissed. PORTRADE has now won three times since July including a very tough handicap at Listowel last time from Macnicholson, who performs in the previous race. He's only a five-year-old and there should be more to come so he looks the one to be on. Goal has only won once in 18 starts over timber but Top Spin appreciates fast ground and if the rain stays away he can provide a threat from his lowly spot in the weights.
Massini's Trap (IRE) 25-1 (10-10) Rear of mid-division, 12th 3 out, soon ridden, 10th entering straight, no impression, 8th of 18, 10l behind Cool Macavity (10-7) at Punchestown 2m hcp hdl gd in Apr.
Xsquared (IRE) 12-1 (10-12) In rear, some progress approaching straight, went 6th at last, kept on one pace, 5th of 16, 9l behind Portrade (10-0) at Listowel 2m hcp hdl gd in Sep.
Portrade (IRE) 8-1 (10-0) Tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, 2nd entering straight and challenged last, soon led, ridden and kept on run-in, won at Listowel 2m hcp hdl gd in Sep beating Macnicholson (10-13) by 1/2l, 16 ran.
Fethard Player (IRE) 14-1 (10-11) Held up towards rear, closer in 6th approaching straight, no impression last, one pace run-in, 6th of 11, 7l behind Ask Vic (10-6) at Listowel 2m 4f hcp hdl gd in Sep.
Waydownsouth (IRE) 33-1 (11-2) Chased leaders in 3rd, pushed along in 4th 3 out, ridden and no extra 2 out, weakened entering straight, 4th of 6, 43l behind Mozoltov (11-2) at Punchestown 2m nov hdl Grade 2 (1) hvy in Feb '13.
Top Spin (IRE) 9-2 (11-1) Took keen hold, soon chased leaders, 4th approaching straight, 3rd at last, no impression and kept on same pace run-in, 3rd of 11, 3 1/2l behind Indian Icon (11-7) at Kilbeggan 2m hcp hdl gd in Jun.
Goal (IRE) 7-2 (11-12) Held up in rear, not fluent 1st, headway after 5th, driven in 3rd before 2 out, no impression on winner, one pace, 3rd of 9, 17l behind Gold Chain (11-6) at Perth 2m hcp hdl 0-120 (4) gs in Sep.
Stocktons Wing (IRE) 9-1 (10-12) In rear, progress from 3 out, ridden in 9th after next, went 6th at last, kept on without threatening to go 3rd inside final furlong, 3rd of 18, 2 1/2l behind Cool Macavity (10-7) at Punchestown 2m hcp hdl gd in Apr.
