Verdict

This is a very moderate looking maiden which affords ANCIENT DAYS a good opportunity. John Queally's charge finished runner-up in a couple of decent maidens in the autumn before struggling in heavy ground over a much longer trip subsequently and everything looks right for him to gain his first success. Winning point-to-pointer Dick Dundee has been well beaten in both starts over timber but has been taking on much stronger opposition and can be expected to improve. Jolly Mac Vic hasn't fulfilled the promise shown on his hurdling debut at Roscommon in August but he's been racing in much heavier conditions and today's better ground could bring about a revival. Father Jack was staying on over the minimum trip last time and he should make his presence felt while Noble Pageant would be a major threat if getting a run from his reserve spot.

Formwatch

Ancient Days (IRE) 3-1 (11-4) Chased leaders mainly 5th, mistake 3 out, pushed along before next and no impression in 4th early run-in, kept on one pace, 4th of 7, 23l behind Inish Island (11-12) at Downpatrick 2m 6f mdn hdl sft in Nov.

Better Again (IRE) 66-1 (10-13) Always behind, 13th of 15, well behind Ballycasey (11-12) at Clonmel 2m 4f Amateur Maiden Hurdle (4yo+) in Dec.

Big Dec (IRE) 12-1 (11-7) Keen early, settled 5th, weakened from over 4f out, last of 11, well behind Digeanta (12-0) at Cork 2m N H flat in Jul.

Canon Sheehan (IRE) 66-1 (11-7) Soon mid-division, no impression from 3 out, 9th of 14, well behind The Paparrazi Kid (11-12) at Limerick 2m 3f mdn hdl hvy in Jan.

Clay Boy (IRE) 40-1 (11-4) Mid-division, no impression from 4 out, 8th of 18, well behind Sarabad (11-3) at Clonmel 2m Maiden Hurdle (5-6yo) hvy in Feb.

Dick Dundee 11-2 (11-4) Tracked leaders, 7th halfway, 5th 3 out, no extra from next, 3rd of 17, 39l behind Are Ya Right Chief (11-12) at Thurles 2m 6f mdn hdl hvy in Feb.

Father Jack (IRE) 50-1 (11-4) Mid-division, moderate 8th 3 out, soon ridden, kept on one pace entering straight, 4th of 22, 33l behind Un De Sceaux (11-11) at Punchestown 2m mdn hdl hvy in Feb.

Gold Spark (IRE) 33-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, 4th 4 out, weakened from next, 12th of 19, well behind Mad Brian (11-5) at Navan 2m mdn hdl sft.

Jolly Mac Vic (IRE) 25-1 (11-12) Mid-division, 9th 3 out, soon no impression, 7th of 13, 34l behind Mala Beach (11-9) at Leopardstown 2m 4f mdn hdl hvy in Jan.

Mountain Fort (IRE) 25-1 (11-11) Rear of mid-division on outer, no extra entering straight and eased when beaten final furlong, 8th of 13, well behind Azorian (11-13) at Leopardstown 2m N H flat sft in Feb.

Petit Garson (IRE) 66-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, 5th halfway, moderate 4th and no impression 3 out, soon ridden, no extra before straight, 5th of 22, well behind Un De Sceaux (11-11) at Punchestown 2m mdn hdl hvy in Feb.

Putintheboot (IRE) 33-1 (10-11) Soon mid-division, moderate 7th approaching 3 out, soon no impression, kept on same pace, 8th of 15, 32l behind Raise Hell (11-4) at Thurles 2m mdn hdl sft in Feb.

Seanie Boy (IRE) 25-1 (11-9) Tracked leader in 2nd on inner, ridden and no extra approaching 3 out, weakened, 10th of 12, well behind Dante Anna (10-12) at Gowran Park 3m mdn hdl sft in Dec.

Shazner (IRE) 33-1 (11-4) Prominent, 2nd halfway, dropped to 7th 3 out and no threat in straight, 9th of 18, well behind Rolly Baby (11-4) at Thurles 2m mdn hdl hvy in Feb.

Town Pond (IRE) 66-1 (11-12) Always towards rear, 11th of 17, well behind Jennies Jewel (11-2) at Naas 2m 3f mdn hdl in Jan.

Kilbeg Katie (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Towards rear, no extra approaching straight, 21st of 22, well behind Irish Thistle (11-12) at Navan 2m mdn hdl hvy in Feb.

Mimosa Star (IRE) 50-1 (10-11) Always towards rear, never a factor, 14th of 18, well behind Carhue (11-4) at Clonmel 2m mdn hdl in Feb.

Zarzamora (IRE) 33-1 (10-11) Rear of mid-division, 8th halfway, no extra and weakened 3 out, completely tailed off, 9th of 11, well behind Blazing Sonnet (10-4) at Clonmel 2m 4f mdn hdl in Feb.

Noble Pageant (IRE) 16-1 (11-4) Led, headed 5 out and ridden in 4th 3 out, no extra before next, weakened, 7th of 11, 30l behind Blazing Sonnet (10-4) at Clonmel 2m 4f mdn hdl in Feb.

John The Soldier (IRE) 12-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, 8th approaching 3 out, no extra and eased straight, pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Micks (10-8) at Gowran Park 3m hcp hdl 80-116 sft in Nov '11, 20 ran.