Verdict
Askanna won a Grade 2 novice hurdle at Punchestown a year ago and though a Grade 3 winner over fences she hasn't done quite as well as expected and reverts to the smaller obstacles. She finished 16l behind Whodoyouthink over fences at Punchestown in May and the winner is a massive 21lb better in over hurdles than fences so will be expected to follow-up. However, he's run poorly on his last three attempts over timber and is passed over in favour of CARLINGFORD LOUGH. John Kiely's charge won a Roscommon maiden and a handicap at Galway last summer and was having his first start since July when a close fourth at Killarney in May. That should have brought him on enough for this though there are plenty of dangers including Battling Boru, who has been progressing nicely and followed his Sligo success with a very good run at Kilbeggan.
Formwatch
Askanna (IRE) 7-1 (10-12) Chased leader, 2nd halfway, ridden before 3 out, no impression entering straight, kept on same pace, 2nd of 6, 17l behind Whodoyouthink (11-0) at Punchestown 2m 6f chs gd in May.
Redera (IRE) 16-1 (10-7) Held up mid-division, lost place over 4 out, 11th of 21, 18l behind Lifestyle (11-2) at Aintree 2m cond hcp hdl (2) gd in Apr.
Doctor Deejay (IRE) 20-1 (11-0) Waited with, went 2nd travelling well approaching straight, ridden last, ran on well under hands and heels closing stages, just failed, 2nd of 9, hd behind Archie Meade (11-10) at Sligo 2m 4f hdl gd in May.
Wikaala (USA) 22-1 (10-12) In rear, weakened before 5 out, last of 4, well behind Wave Power (10-12) at Hexham 2m 4f nov chs (4) hvy in Jun.
Let Yourself Go (IRE) 16-1 (10-11) Led, slight mistake 7th, joined 4 out, headed next, soon weakened and eased, pulled up before last, in a race won by Pineau De Re (11-6) at Thurles 2m 6f hdl gd in Oct, 10 ran.
Whodoyouthink (IRE) 9-1 (11-0) Made all, asserted before 3 out, clear entering straight, kept on strongly, easily, won at Punchestown 2m 6f chs gd in May beating Askanna (10-12) by 17l, 6 ran.
Black Benny (IRE) 8-1 (10-10) Chased leaders, 5th halfway, ridden in 4th entering straight, no extra 2 out, kept on same pace, 6th of 24, 14l behind Dedigout (11-8) at Fairyhouse 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-140 gs in Apr.
Carlingford Lough (IRE) 9-2 (10-3) Soon mid-division, mistake 4th, kept on without threatening from 3 out, 6th of 18, 5l behind Satu (9-9) at Killarney 2m 1f hcp hdl gd in May.
Sweet Shock (GER) 7-1 (10-7) Towards rear for most, never a factor, pulled up before last, in a race won by Mat Hill (9-3) at Down Royal 2m 4f hcp chs sft in Jun, 16 ran.
Eagle's Pass (IRE) 16-1 (11-0) Mid-division, ridden into 7th entering straight, no extra in 6th last, kept on same pace, 6th of 21, 6l behind He's Our Man (11-0) at Punchestown 2m hcp hdl gd in May.
I Hear A Symphony (IRE) 25-1 (11-2) Settled behind leaders, 4th halfway, ridden 3 out, no impression entering straight, kept on one pace, left 3rd last, 3rd of 7, 28l behind Raptor (10-13) at Punchestown 2m 2f chs gd in May.
Battling Boru (IRE) 9-2 (11-0) Waited with, closed 6 out, went in pursuit of winner approaching 3 out, no impression and slight mistakes last 2, kept on same pace, 2nd of 10, 5l behind Mister Benedictine (11-2) at Kilbeggan 2m 4f hcp hdl sft in Jun.
