tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, headway to dispute before 3 out, headed next, no impression on winner before last, no extra under pressure run-in and lost 2nd near line
chased leaders on outer, 6th halfway, left 4th and slightly hampered 3 out, no extra after next
tracked leaders mainly 5th, stumbled around halfway, left 3rd after 3 out, slight mistake next and soon no impression on first 2, kept on under pressure run-in to snatch 2nd near line
chased leaders, 7th halfway, no extra from 3 out, weakened, tailed off
disputed lead, jumped well, led 2 out, ridden to assert before last, kept on well run-in
led or disputed lead, still on terms when fell 3 out
tracked leaders on inner in 4th, dropped to rear after halfway, mistake 4 out, moderate 4th from early straight
towards rear, mistake and unseated rider 10th
It generally takes a very good young stayer to win this and LAST INSTALMENT fits the bill. Philip Fenton's charge only had three opponents to beat in the Grade 2 Florida Pearl at Punchestown but jumped superbly and his supporters never had a moment's concern. He faces better opposition here but looks a cracking prospect and can gain his first Grade 1 victory. Willie Mullins is represented by Allee Garde and Raptor and either could take advantage if the selections fluffs his lines as both are progressive chasers. Preference is for the former who just holds Son Amix on their run at Clonmel three weeks ago. First Lieutenant could prove the biggest danger however as the Grade 1 winning hurdler made a winning debut over fences and was a short-priced favourite for the Drinmore at Fairyhouse but had to be pulled up after a very bad mistake at the eighth fence.
Allee Garde (FR) Evensfav (11-12) Tracked leaders and took keen hold early, led from 4th and made rest, ridden along and pressed before 2 out, kept on well from last, won at Clonmel 2m 4f beg chs hvy beating Son Amix (11-12) by 2l, 14 ran.
Crash (IRE) 7-2 (11-7) Tracked leaders in 3rd, 4th 5 out, closer 2 out where rider briefly lost iron, challenged last, ridden to lead run-in and kept on best, won at Punchestown 2m 4f beg chs beating Quietly Fancied (11-12) by 1 1/2l, 14 ran.
First Lieutenant (IRE) 5-4fav (11-10) Tracked leaders, 4th when blundered badly and almost unseated rider 8th, steadily recovered to dispute 3rd 4 out, soon ridden and no extra next, behind when pulled up after 2 out, burst blood vessel, in a race won by Bog Warrior (11-10) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f nov chs Grade 1 (4yo+) (1) sft, 6 ran.
Give Us A Hand (IRE) 3-1 (11-2) Held up towards rear, headway into 9th 3 out, ridden into 6th 2 out, 4th last, kept on to 2nd run-in, no chance with winner, 2nd of 16, 4l behind Luke's Benefit (11-10) at Fairyhouse 2m hcp hdl 80-95 sft in Nov.
Last Instalment (IRE) 8-11fav (11-3) Tracked leader in 2nd, close up 4 out, improved to lead entering straight, asserted before last, easily, won at Punchestown 2m 6f nov chs G2 (1) sft in Nov beating Four Commanders (11-2) by 7l, 4 ran.
Raptor (FR) 6-4fav (11-12) Always prominent, mistake 2nd, tracked leader in 2nd until led narrowly after 2 out, pushed out and kept on well run-in, won at Punchestown 2m 4f beg chs sft in Nov beating Cadogan (11-12) by 4l, 14 ran.
Shinrock Paddy (IRE) 8-1 (11-10) Prominent, led after 1st until headed 6th, hesitant at 3rd, 3rd and no extra entering straight, kept on one pace but no chance with easy winner, moderate 2nd at last, 2nd of 6, 31l behind Bog Warrior (11-10) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f nov chs Grade 1 (4yo+) (1) sft.
Son Amix (FR) 2-1 (11-12) Always prominent, 2nd from 6th, closed on leader before 2 out, soon ridden, no impression on winner before last, 2nd of 14, 2l behind Allee Garde (11-12) at Clonmel 2m 4f beg chs hvy.
Leggy Lad (IRE) 13-2 (11-5) Held up towards rear early, headway into 6th halfway, close up in 2nd 5 out, ridden in 5th entering straight, soon no extra, 6th of 11, 41l behind Last Time D'albain (10-9) at Navan 2m 4f hcp chs 0-130 hvy.
