Racecards
19:10 Wexford (IRE)
Hook Head Chase
- 5 Runners
- Distance: 2m 1f
- Going: Good to firm (watering)
- Surface: Turf
- €11,500 added
- Winner: €7,935
- 2nd: €1,840
- 3rd: €804
- 4th: €460
- Form 0F60-90
- Age 9
- Weight 11-12
- Official Rating 116
- Trainer M F Morris
- Jockey B R Dalton
raced in moderate 3rd, ridden before 3 out, soon dropped to last and no extra
- Form 341-082
- Age 10
- Weight 11-12
- Official Rating 130
- Trainer E Griffin
- Jockey Mr E J O'connell
attempted to make all and clear for most, a bit awkward 6 out, reduced lead from after 3 out, ridden and strongly pressed approaching straight, soon narrowly headed and kept on without matching winner
- Form P42-284
- Age 8
- Weight 11-8
- Official Rating 138
- Trainer P Nolan
- Jockey D N Russell
raced in moderate 2nd, closed from after 3 out, challenged approaching straight, soon gained narrow lead, stayed on well run-in
- Form 323464/
- Age 8
- Weight 11-8
- Official Rating 119
- Trainer H De Bromhead
- Jockey A E Lynch
raced well off the pace last of the 4, moderate 3rd from 3 out, soon no impression, kept on same pace
- Form 6P3P-00
- Age 6
- Weight 11-8
- Official Rating 123
- Trainer M F Morris
- Jockey J S McGarvey
refused to race
Verdict
Far Away So Close is just about the pick of the weights but has done most of his best work on much softer ground. It might be worth opposing Paul Nolan's charge with SIN PALO. Willie Mullins hasn't over-raced his nine-year-old and there may be a little more to come. A recent absence is unlikely to be a problem. Norther Bay wasn't beaten far over a longer trip at Down Royal last month and looks the pick of the remainder with the others all having a bit to find on recent form.
Formwatch
Elysian Rock 25-1 (10-8) Led, strongly pressed approaching straight and headed bypassing 2 out, soon no extra and weakened, 14th of 19, 20l behind Ted Dolly (11-3) at Tipperary 2m hcp hdl 8Evens23 gf in Jun.
Norther Bay (FR) 20-1 (10-7) Soon led, joined 2 out, soon headed, kept on well without matching winner run-in, 2nd of 18, 1 1/4l behind Johannisberger (10-9) at Down Royal 2m 4f hcp chs gf in Jun.
Far Away So Close (IRE) 10-1 (11-3) Prominent, challenged and on terms 2 out, soon headed and 4th before last, kept on same pace, 4th of 10, 11l behind Shadow Catcher (11-6) at Down Royal 2m hdl gf in Jun.
Spill The Beans (IRE) 3-1 (11-10) Prominent, led before 5th, headed before 2 out, soon no extra, 4th of 5, 10l behind Ordinary Man (11-10) at Tramore 2m 6f chs gd in Apr '12.
Tillahow (IRE) 20-1 (10-11) Soon mid-division, no extra under pressure 4 out, 13th of 16, well behind Golden Kite (10-6) at Roscommon 3m hcp chs gf in Jun.
Fair Dilemma (IRE) 16-1 (10-8) Close up and disputed lead, headed 6th, soon chased leaders, moderate 4th 5 out, no extra 3 out, 12th of 18, well behind Mr Cracker (11-5) at Listowel 2m 3f hcp chs gd in Jun.
Sin Palo (IRE) 5-2 (11-12) Chased leader early, settled behind leaders before 5th, 5th halfway, 4th 5 out, 3rd 3 out, ridden entering straight, kept on under pressure into 2nd after last, not reach winner, 2nd of 6, 2 1/2l behind Deal Done (11-12) at Clonmel 2m 4f chs in Nov.