tracked leader in 2nd, 3rd halfway, dropped to 7th and ridden 3 out, no impression
in rear and off pace early, some progress 3 out, soon ridden, moderate 7th 2 out, no impression
in rear and off pace early, closer 9th 3 out, ridden and went 4th 2 out, 3rd at last, went 2nd inside final furlong, kept on same pace close home
led, ridden and headed before 3 out, soon weakened quickly, pulled up before 2 out
tracked leaders, pushed along 3rd and soon lost position, mistake 6th, weakened
mid-division, close 5th 3 out, improved into 3rd and pushed along 2 out, led before last, ridden and stayed on well run-in
tracked leaders, 3rd 3 out, ridden to lead 2 out, headed before last, dropped to 3rd inside final furlong, kept on same pace close home
tracked leaders, improved to lead before 3 out, joined 3 out, ridden and headed entering straight, soon weakened
mid-division on outer, mistake 4th, headway 4 out, disputed lead next, led briefly entering straight, ridden and headed 2 out, moderate 4th before last, no impression
rear of mid-division, slight mistake 6th, 8th 3 out, soon ridden, moderate 5th 2 out, no impression
tracked leaders in 3rd, 2nd halfway, ridden in 4th 3 out, weakened
Battling Spirit was having just his second start for new connections when landing a Clonmel handicap and though up 9lb he hasn't had much racing for his age and should make a bold bid to complete the double. POORMANS HILL (NAP) completed a four-timer when transferred to Gordon Elliott, three of them over fences. He's been racing in strong company over the bigger obstacles but can revert to hurdles on a 22lb lower mark and looks the one to beat. Sir Ector is generally thereabouts at this sort of level but was put in his place by Allez Kal over this trip at Limerick last month. The winner went up 11lb and found 2m4f on the short side at Punchestown a fortnight ago but should be seen in a better light back over this trip. Capture The Drama is much better over fences and couldn't take advantage of a lower mark back over timber here last time.
Portrait King (IRE) 33-1 (10-0) In rear, headway from 15th (canal turn), 5th after 3 out, never troubled leaders, 5th of 15, 21 1/4l behind Blaklion (11-6) at Aintree 3m 2f hcp (1) hvy in Dec.
Nicat's Benefit (IRE) 14-1 (11-5) Towards rear, some progress into moderate 8th 3 out, soon ridden and weakened, slow jump 2 out and pulled up, at Tramore 2m 5f hvy in Dec.
Allez Kal (IRE) 7-2 (10-12) In rear, detached halfway, closer before 3 out and went 5th approaching 2 out, ridden entering straight and 4th before last, kept on run-in, 4th of 7, 5 1/2l behind Goaheadmakemyday (10-5) at Punchestown 2m 4f hcp Soft - Heavy in Jan.
Capture The Drama (IRE) 9-1 (9-12) Led, joined 5 out, headed next, soon ridden and weakened quickly, 9th of 10, dist behind Dromore Lad (10-10) at Fairyhouse 3m hcp sft in Jan.
Sir Ector (USA) 25-1 (10-13) Close up, 5th after 8th, niggled along in 7th after 3 out, no impression on leaders, headway to 3rd at last, kept on without threatening, 3rd of 18, 18l behind Allez Kal (10-2) at Limerick 3m hcp hvy in Dec.
Poormans Hill (IRE) 7-2jfav (10-0) Mid-division early, 8th at halfway, closed to chase leaders straight, kept on same pace from after 2 out, 5th of 14, 29 1/4l behind Presenting Percy (11-10) at Fairyhouse 3m 5f hcp sft in Dec.
Battling Spirit (IRE) 9-4fav (11-3) Mid-division early, 7th at halfway, soon improved, close up from 3 out, pushed along into straight and on terms, led before last, stayed on well to assert run-in, won at Clonmel 2m 3f hcp Soft - Heavy in Dec beating Ballymadun (11-6) by 4 1/4l, 11 ran.
Emmas Dilemma (IRE) 12-1 (10-4) Rear of mid-division, 13th after 8th, 10th after 3 out, headway to 5th before 2 out, no impression, mistake at last, weakened, 5th of 18, 28 1/2l behind Allez Kal (10-2) at Limerick 3m hcp hvy in Dec.
Itsallhappening (IRE) 5-1 (10-13) Soon led, mistake 1st, joined after 6 out, mistake and unseated rider 4 out, at Limerick 2m 5f hcp hvy in Dec.
Zagnzig (IRE) 7-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, 2nd halfway, ridden 3 out, no extra before next, weakened and slight mistake last, 7th of 17, 10 3/4l behind Cubomania (11-10) at Down Royal 2m hcp hvy in Dec.
Maureen's Star (IRE) 20-1 (11-4) Towards rear for most, ridden and no impression before 3 out, soon no extra, 13th of 17, 36 3/4l behind Cubomania (11-10) at Down Royal 2m hcp hvy in Dec.
