tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd from 6th, improved to dispute lead and ridden before 2 out, headed 2 out, no impression on winner before last, kept on same pace
in touch in 4th, in touch in last from 5th, slight mistake 8th, ridden in 4th 3 out, moderate last 2 out, no impression
held up in touch in last, 4th from 5th, not fluent 4 out, slight mistake 3 out and pushed along, soon ridden in last, moderate 4th and not fluent 2 out, no impression
tracked leader in 2nd, 3rd from 6th, improved to lead on outer 2 out, ridden clear, stayed on well run-in
led, slight mistake 12th, ridden and joined before 2 out, headed and dropped to 3rd when mistake 2 out, no impression on leaders
Champagne Sparkles, twice runner-up in maiden hurdles in the spring, started long odds-on for a similar race at Ballinrobe in May but ran a shocker on soft ground. Lovely Moon has had two runs over fences but has looked in need of a marathon trip while Ran Rite has been well beaten in both starts over the bigger obstacles. Winning point-to-pointer RECITE A PRAYER has been marking time over hurdles but has performed with credit. He'd prefer some give in the ground but can make a winning start over the bigger obstacles. Optional Mix has been placed in three out of four starts over timber and has won between the flags so she should make a chaser.
Champagne Sparkles (FR) 1-3fav (11-6) Tracked leaders, niggled along from 3rd, reminders in mid-division at 6th, moderate 8th and mistake 3 out, weakened, pulled up before last, at Ballinrobe 2m 5f mdn sft in May.
Lovely Moon (IRE) 33-1 (12-0) Held up in last early, moderate 5th at halfway, ridden in moderate 4th 3 out, soon no impression on leaders, 4th of 6, 20 1/2l behind Presenting Bonnie (11-7) at Kilbeggan 2m 3f gd in Sep.
Ran Rite (IRE) 25-1 (12-0) Mid-division, 5th halfway, ridden and no impression before 3 out, soon no extra, 6th of 10, 33l behind Russian Diamond (12-0) at Fairyhouse 2m 5f gd in Oct.
Recite A Prayer (IRE) 11-2 (11-6) Led, joined 2 out, ridden and headed approaching last, no impression disputing 3rd at last, no extra run-in, kept on one pace, 4th of 6, 12 3/4l behind Kingston Retreat (10-13) at Downpatrick 2m 5f mdn sft in Oct.
Optional Mix (IRE) 5-1 (12-0) In rear, slight mistake 1st, closer in 9th 3 out, soon ridden and no impression, 7th of 16, 24 1/4l behind Bring The Bacon (12-0) at Tramore 2m 4f hcp gd in Aug.
