held up in 3rd, progress into 2nd 5 out, challenged after 3 out, narrow lead before 2 out, ridden to assert before last, kept on well
led, slipped approaching 3rd and headed, soon close 2nd, dropped to 3rd and ridden 5 out, no extra before 3 out, weakened, completely tailed off
chased leader, led 3rd, challenged after 3 out, narrowly headed before 2 out, ridden 2 out, no extra before last, kept on one pace
held up in last, slight mistakes 6th and 7 out, 3rd 4 out, challenged after 3 out, ridden in 3rd 2 out, no impression before last, kept on one pace
Days Ahead landed a chase over 2m here in 2012 and has been successful three times on the Flat subsequently, though he's yet to prove he stays this far. HARPSY CORD has mainly competed at a much higher level than this and though an infrequent winner he won't get many better chances so gets the nod over Highbrow Blue. Paul Nolan's winning point-to-pointer is consistent enough but was disappointing at Kilbeggan last time. Cnoc Na Sioga has fallen twice in four starts over fences and had to have a confidence booster over hurdles on Sunday where he finished tailed off.
Days Ahead (IRE) 7-1 (11-7) Chased leaders until fell 2nd, in a race won by Indian Icon (11-7) at Kilbeggan 2m hcp hdl gd in Jun, 11 ran.
Harpsy Cord (IRE) 7-2 (11-10) Tracked leaders, 4th 4 out, 3rd and pushed along before straight, switched right to inner approaching 2 out where on terms, no impression in 2nd from before last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 8, 10l behind Aughnacurraveel (11-0) at Limerick 3m chs gf in Jul.
Highbrow Blue (IRE) 11-4 (11-12) Tracked leader, pushed along from 2 out, dropped to 3rd and no extra approaching straight, 3rd of 5, 28l behind Cailin Annamh (11-5) at Kilbeggan 2m 4f nov chs gd in Jun.
Cnoc Na Sioga (IRE) 20-1 (10-9) Held up in rear, ridden in 5th 3 out, soon no impression, 5th of 6, well behind Star Of Aragon (10-9) at Downpatrick 2m 2f hdl sft.
