tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, 2nd from 11th, challenged after 3 out, ridden to dispute before 2 out, kept on well run-in, asserted close home
tracked leaders, 2nd halfway, 3rd from 11th, ridden to challenge after 3 out, disputed before 2 out, headed run-in, no extra in 3rd closing stages
held up towards rear, ridden in rear 3 out, soon no impression, weakened before next, tailed off
led, pressed after 3 out, ridden and joined before 2 out, headed close home and held
held up towards rear, ridden in 4th and no impression after 3 out, kept on one pace
Gordon Elliott has won four of the last five and Samcro, a dual winner at the Cheltenham festival, is top rated here. The ten-year-old has fallen from grace since his victory over Melon at the festival two years ago though he's been racing in much stronger company. AGUSTA GOLD is rated 5lb lower and will be receiving 12lb with her rider's claim taken into consideration. She's also been racing at a much higher level and is taken to get back on the winning trail. Roi Mage has arrived from France where he won a Listed chase in September. Well beaten in a Grade 3 hurdle at Gowran last month, he's unsuited by the race conditions. Neither Jimmil nor Waitnsee are in the same class as the principals though they arrive out of form.
Roi Mage (FR) 150-1 (11-1) Towards rear, 6th at 4th, no impression 2 out, no extra in moderate 5th last, 5th of 7, 27l behind Teahupoo (11-10) at Gowran Park 2m (1) hvy in Feb.
Samcro (IRE) 22-1 (11-5) Towards rear, progress before 3 out, no impression 2 out, weakened, 10th of 17, dist behind Birchdale (10-0) at Leopardstown 2m 5f hcp Yielding in Feb.
Jimmil (IRE) 28-1 (10-9) Held up and took keen hold early, always towards rear, slight mistake 2nd and hampered 4th, closer 6 out, pushed along and no extra after 3 out, 9th of 13, 37 1/4l behind Death Duty (11-4) at Punchestown 3m 4f hcp hvy in Feb.
Agusta Gold (IRE) 40-1 (10-9) Rear of mid-division when blundered badly at 1st and pulled up, at Gowran Park 3m 1f hcp sft in Jan.
Waitnsee (IRE) 25-1 (11-8) Chased leader on outer, not fluent at 3rd, headway at 5th, led before 8th, headed at 9th, 2nd after 11th, dropped to 6th after 15th, weakened before 2 out, 7th of 12, dist behind Braeside (11-7) at Cork 3m 4f hcp hvy in Oct.
