made all and not fluent, ridden and clear before 2 out, stayed on strongly
in touch in 4th place, went 3rd from 2 out, chased winner after last, just held on for 2nd place close home, no chance with winner
always towards rear
tracked leaders in 3rd, ridden before 2 out, kept on and just held for 2nd close home
always behind, plugged on from 2 out, never dangerous
tracked leader, ridden before 2 out, weakened after last
SWORD OF FATE makes a quick reappearance after winning a match here last Thursday. The champion keeps faith with Tom Lacey's four-year-old, who can follow up under a penalty. Phoenix Rock is potentially his most interesting rival as he would probably have won a Loughanmore point-to-point in April had he not fallen at the last. Brunel Woods was placed in three of his four bumper starts and Handy Hollow has finished second in both of his runs in that sphere.
Sword Of Fate (IRE) 1-2fav (10-12) Made all, ridden before 2 out, mistake last, kept on strongly, won at Worcester 2m (4) gf in Oct beating Arthington (11-8) by 5l, 0 ran.
Brunel Woods (IRE) 5-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders, went 2nd over 3f out, effort over 2f out, soon ridden and no chance with winner, lost 2nd inside final furlong, 3rd of 10, 5 3/4l behind Myplaceatmidnight (11-2) at Market Rasen 2m 1f mdn (6) gd in Apr.
Emperor Commodos 16-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, led after 5th, headed before 3 out, weakened approaching next, at Worcester 2m hcp (5) gd in Jun.
Handy Hollow (IRE) 3-1 (10-13) Tracked leaders, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, stayed on under pressure inside final, took 2nd post, no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 13l behind Vino's Choice (11-0) at Perth 2m (5) gs in Aug.
Shine's Bar (IRE) 28-1 (11-0) In rear, ridden and headway on outside 6f out, weakened over 3f out, 10th of 13, 28 1/2l behind Court Liability (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 2f (6) gd in Oct.
Phoenix Rock (IRE) 7-1 (11-11) Mid-div, 3rd 1/2way & 3out, chall in 2nd when fell last, at Loughanmore 3m mdn gd in Apr.
