Verdict

Benash was due to run in a much easier race at Down Royal yesterday and HE'S OUR MAN looks the form pick on his close second to Tofino Bay at Navan, though prospective punters will need to forgive a couple of subsequent moderate efforts. Toon River has been inconsistent over fences, mixing strong performances with disappointing runs. He'd have a fair chance if getting his act together while chasing newcomer Its The Ice I Like is just the type Robert Tyner does well with and he's one to note.

Formwatch

A Decent Excuse (IRE) 20-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, mistake 3rd, soon lost place, no danger and kept on from after 5 out, 7th of 16, well behind Novarov (11-12) at Gowran Park 2m 4f beg chase hvy.

Benash (IRE) 11-1 (11-12) Tracked leader in moderate 3rd, remote 2nd halfway, ridden and no impression on clear leader from 4 out, dropped to remote 3rd from last, kept on one paced, 3rd of 9, 27l behind Realt Mor (11-12) at Navan 2m 4f beg chase sft.

Carlos Fandango (IRE) 50-1 (11-7) Soon mid-division, no impression from 3 out, 11th of 13, well behind Home Farm (11-12) at Fairyhouse 2m 5f beg chase sft in Feb.

Coole Avenue (IRE) 25-1 (10-12) In rear, behind from 3 out, no impression straight, 14th of 19, 35l behind Dressedtothenines (11-7) at Naas 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-140 sft.

Couleur De La Loi (IRE) 9-1 (11-12) Mid-division, 7th halfway, headway into 3rd 3 out, ridden in 4th before straight, soon no extra, 4th of 10, well behind Gallant Oscar (11-7) at Clonmel 2m 4f beg chase.

Dul Ar An Ol (IRE) 25-1 (10-4) Settled in mid-division, 9th halfway, headway on outer to go 4th 2 out, went 3rd approaching last, ridden and no impression run-in, kept on same pace, 3rd of 18, 1 1/4l behind Summer Star (9-10) at Leopardstown 2m hcp hdl 0-140 sft.

Fla's Long Shot (IRE) 100-1 (10-13) Never better than mid-division, 10th of 15, well behind Waydownsouth (11-12) at Tramore 2m mdn hdl hvy in Jan.

He's Our Man (IRE) 18-1 (11-5) Held up towards rear, headway into 4th 3 out, pushed along in 3rd before 2 out, ridden in 4th and no extra 2 out, kept on one pace, 4th of 7, 14l behind Sizing Rio (10-12) at Navan 2m nov hdl Grd 3 (1) in Nov.

Its The Ice I Like (IRE) 20-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, 8th halfway, ridden to go 3rd after 2 out but soon no chance with easy winner, no extra in straight, weakened, 7th of 24, 35l behind Whatever Jacksays (10-2) at Punchestown 3m Handicap Hurdle (95-130) (4yo+) hvy in Apr.

Toon River (IRE) 4-1fav (11-12) Led, slight mistake 8th, mistake again next, headed and no extra from 3 out, 6th of 16, 20l behind Novarov (11-12) at Gowran Park 2m 4f beg chase hvy.

War Of Words (IRE) 5-1 (11-12) Mid-division, 5th halfway, ridden and weakened after 3 out, behind when jinked after last and unseated rider, remounted to finish completely tailed off, 9th of 10, well behind Gallant Oscar (11-7) at Clonmel 2m 4f beg chase.

William Wordsworth (IRE) 12-1 (11-5) In rear, last 3 out, good headway on outer before 2 out, went 2nd before last, no extra and dropped to 3rd close home, 3rd of 15, 2 3/4l behind Thepartysover (10-11) at Naas 2m cond hcp hdl (80-109) in Jan.