tracked leader in 2nd, led 6th, mistake 2 out and soon ridden, headed early run-in and soon no impression, kept on one pace
held up towards rear, detached after 4 out, some progress in 7th when not fluent 2 out, moderate 6th last, kept on one pace
always rear, never a factor, detached after 4 out, weakened
led, headed 6th where not fluent, ridden after 3 out and no extra in 8th next, weakened
tracked leaders and 4th halfway, ridden and no impression approaching last, dropped to 5th run-in and kept on one pace
rear of mid-division, not fluent 2nd, 9th halfway and detached after 4 out, weakened
held up in 7th, closer in 5th 2 out and 3rd at last, ridden and kept on same pace run-in to go 2nd final 100 yards, no impression on winner
tracked leaders, not fluent 2nd, 5th halfway, went 3rd approaching 2 out and progress to challenge last, ridden to lead run-in and stayed on well final 100 yards
chased leaders and 6th halfway, pushed along before 2 out and no extra in 7th approaching last
tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, went 2nd at 6th, ridden entering straight and no impression in 5th at last, kept on one pace under pressure run-in
Vaxalco was headed on the line by Followmeuptocarlow in a Fairyhouse handicap and, though he was receiving a stone, he's on the upgrade and should get into the shake-up. Shield, a winning bumper, ran very well behind Lucky Bridle at Thurles and has since finished runner-up on the Flat at Dundalk. SURE REEF won three of his last four on the Flat and can make amends for unseating Ruby Walsh at the first when making his hurdling debut at Punchestown as though Captain Hox has done well in bumpers, he's by Danehill Dancer and doesn't have a jumper's pedigree. Sea Smoke is one to keep an eye on as he had just one run for Luca Cumani last year and is a half-brother to five winners. Winning point-to-pointer and bumper Akorakor looked in need of the experience on his hurdling bow at Naas and will have come on for the outing.
Akorakor (FR) 9-10fav (11-7) Tracked leader in 2nd, pushed along and dropped to 3rd 2 out, no impression in 4th before last, no extra and weakened run-in, 6th of 7, 15l behind Noah Webster (11-7) at Naas 2m 4yo mdn hdl in Oct.
Captain Hox (IRE) 12-1 (10-7) Waited with, ordinary pace early, 6th of the 7, closer order from over 4f out, still travelling well in 3rd over 3f out, soon 2nd, no impression from before straight, kept on same pace, 2nd of 7, 11l behind Minella Friend (10-11) at Sligo 2m 2f 4yo nhf hvy in May.
Curraghchase (IRE) 50-1 (11-7) Mid-division, 15th 4 out, stumbled badly and unseated rider next, in a race won by Vautour (11-7) at Navan 2m 4yo mdn hdl, 30 ran.
Didntitellya (IRE) 7-1 (11-3) Led, headed 3rd and tracked leader in 2nd, not fluent 4th, disputed lead briefly 2 out, soon headed and no extra, weakened, 9th of 11, 30l behind Doesheeverstop (11-4) at Down Royal 2m 6f mdn hdl in Nov.
Riverside City (IRE) 7-1 (11-8) Mid-division, headway into 5th 2 out, ridden into 3rd last, kept on in 2nd run-in, pressed winner close home, 2nd of 15, 1/2l behind Clonard Lad (11-12) at Naas 2m 4f mdn hdl in Nov.
Sea Smoke (IRE) 22-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, towards rear, headway inside final 3f, staying on and green when hampered and switched right inside final furlong, kept on, never nearer, 5th of 12, 5l behind Rule Book (9-3) at Sandown 1m 2f 3yo mdn (5) sft in Jun '12 (flat).
Shield (IRE) 5-1 (11-7) Soon chased leaders, not fluent 5 out, 5th after 3 out, in pursuit of winner from next, no impression and kept on same pace from last,, 2nd of 16, 4l behind Lucky Bridle (11-7) at Thurles 2m 4yo mdn hdl gd in Nov.
Sure Reef (IRE) 5-4fav (11-7) Led, attempted to refuse 1st and mistake and unseated rider, in a race won by Oscar's Passion (11-0) at Punchestown 2m 4f 4yo mdn hdl in Nov, 13 ran.
Vaxalco (FR) 11-2fav (10-11) In rear early, progress into 11th 4 out, headway into 6th and ridden 2 out, led early run-in, kept on, headed and no extra close home, 2nd of 24, 1/2l behind Followmeuptocarlow (11-11) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f hcp hdl 80-116 in Nov.
Painted Lady (IRE) 33-1 (10-11) Led-in, adrift of field when refused to race and unseated rider at start, in a race won by Gambling Girl (11-0) at Gowran Park 2m 4yo mdn hdl sft in Oct, 20 ran.
