tracked leaders, led before 4 out, travelling best from before straight, bad mistake 2 out, hit last, ridden out run-in
in touch towards rear, 5th before straight, soon no impression under pressure
soon led, hung off bend after 2nd, headed before 4 out, 3rd into straight, no impression from before 2 out
tracked leaders, niggled along 5 out, ridden into 2nd entering straight, no impression and kept on same pace from before last
in touch towards rear, dropped behind 5 out, pulled up before 3 out
close up, 3rd 4 out, no extra next, eased straight, tailed off
chased leaders, dropped behind from 5 out, pulled up before 3 out
in touch towards rear, closer order 5 out, ridden in 3rd approaching straight, soon lost place and no impression
Bishopsfurze hasn't looked the best of jumpers over timber but has still managed two easy victories, the latest over today's trip at Thurles where he had far too much class for today's rival Start Me Up. However, he had earlier been beaten a long way behind Gagewell Flyer in a Grade 2 at Naas when FISTS OF FURY finished runner-up. There were certainly excuses for Bishopsfurze that day as he was badly impeded but he will need to jump much better if he is to reverse the form with Charles Byrnes' charge, who is looking a nice staying prospect. Skorcher definitely improved when stepped up to this trip for the first time at Thurles though he'll need to make further progress from that maiden success to beat the principals. Ballinahow Lady jumps and stays well but, like the remainder, faces a stiff task in this class.
Bishopsfurze (IRE) 11-10fav (11-5) Tracked leaders, 2nd from 3rd, 2nd travelling well entering straight, led and not fluent 2 out, soon clear, not fluent again at last, kept on well, easily, won at Thurles 2m 6f nov hdl in Jan beating Start Me Up (11-5) by 8l, 6 ran.
Bruach Na Mara (IRE) 9-1 (10-13) Mid-division early, 7th halfway, headway into 3rd after 3 out, challenged 2 out, led entering straight, ridden and headed approaching last, no extra and kept on same pace run-in, 2nd of 19, 1/2l behind Glam Gerry (11-3) at Leopardstown 2m 4f hcp hdl 8Evens23 sft in Jan.
Fists Of Fury (IRE) 8-1 (11-3) Chased leader in 2nd, ridden before 2 out, no extra and kept on same pace from before last, 2nd of 6, 4l behind Gagewell Flyer (11-3) at Naas 2m 4f nov hdl Grade 2 (1) sft in Jan.
Skorcher (IRE) 8-1 (11-9) Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, closer approaching straight, challenged to lead before last, kept on under pressure run-in, won at Thurles 2m 6f mdn hdl in Jan beating Raz De Maree (10-13) by 1/2l, 18 ran.
Start Me Up (IRE) 7-4 (11-5) Tracked leaders in 4th, went 3rd 4 out, ridden along in 2nd 2 out, slight mistake last, kept on same pace without troubling winner, 2nd of 6, 8l behind Bishopsfurze (11-5) at Thurles 2m 6f nov hdl in Jan.
Ballinahow Lady (IRE) 13-2fav (11-12) Always prominent, led from 4th, joined and ridden 3 out, led again entering straight, strongly pressed before last, kept on well run-in, won at Thurles 2m 6f hcp hdl 80-102 in Jan beating The Breathalyser (11-5) by 3/4l, 18 ran.
Ferris Bueller 9-1 (11-5) Close up and disputed lead, dropped to 3rd and ridden 3 out, 4th and no impression straight, 4th of 7, 16l behind Sweet My Lord (11-5) at Limerick 2m 3f hdl sft in Dec.
Caddy Man (IRE) 7-4 (12-0) Tr ldrs, improved to ld 3out, clear app last, kow run in, easily, won at Kilfeacle 3m ire ptp sft in Jan beating Limestone Cowboy (12-0) by dis, 8 ran.
