chased leader, soon disputed 2nd and 3rd after 3rd, slight mistake 4th, slight mistake 3 out and pushed along, ridden and no impression entering straight
made all, eased clear after last, not extended
held up early, soon disputed 2nd, 2nd after 3rd, pecked 5th, slight mistake 7th, mistake and ridden last, no chance with winner and kept on one pace
A shocking turnout numerically but at least it gives racegoers the chance to see the ante-post hot favourite for the Arkle at Cheltenham in action. DOUVAN, last season's champion novice hurdler, has made a couple of mistakes in his two starts over fences but his class has shone through in both and he should add another Grade 1 success to his tally after landing the Racing Post Novices' Chase here last month. Velvet Maker was a distance behind in third and will be having a personal battle with Domesday Book for the runners-up spot and may have to succumb to that rival, who jumped very well to land a beginners' event at Limerick.
Domesday Book (USA) Evensfav (11-12) Soon raced in 2nd, on terms from 5th, led from 4 out, still travelling smoothly straight, stayed on well run-in, easily, won at Limerick 2m 1f hvy in Dec beating Chatham House Rule (11-5) by 13l, 6 ran.
Douvan (FR) 4-7fav (11-12) Soon disputed lead on outer, led from 6th, slight mistake 2 out, travelling smoothly approaching straight, asserted approaching last where slight mistake, pushed out briefly, stayed on well run-in, easily, won at Leopardstown 2m 1f (1) hvy in Dec beating Sizing John (11-12) by 18l, 4 ran.
Velvet Maker (FR) 16-1 (11-12) In rear, slight mistake 6th, 3rd from 8th, no impression from 2 out, soon eased, 3rd of 4, dist behind Douvan (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m 1f (1) hvy in Dec.
