chased leader in 2nd, weakened from 6f out, soon no extra and tailed off
mid-division, 5th halfway, improved into close 3rd approaching straight, ridden to challenge over 2f out, no impression on easy winner inside final furlong
towards rear, in rear halfway, ridden and detached from 6f out, tailed off
mid-division, 7th halfway, ridden approaching straight and no impression from over 2f out
mid-division, 6th halfway, ridden entering straight and improved into 3rd over 1f out, no impression on winner and kept on same pace
mid-division, 8th halfway, ridden and no impression from over 4f out, kept on same pace straight
mid-division, 4th halfway, took closer order from 4f out, ridden to challenge entering straight, no impression from 2f out, kept on same pace
chased leader in 3rd, improved into 2nd 7f out, challenged 4f out, led 3f out, ridden clear from 2f out and soon streched clear, easily
raced in rear, 9th halfway, took closer order from 4f out, ridden to challenge entering straight, no impression from under 2f out, kept on same pace
led, pressed from 4f out, headed 3f out, ridden from over 2f out and soon no extra
The Gatechecker only had three to beat on his debut between the flags but did it well enough and could be anything. Cast No Shadow couldn't keep up the gallop in the race won by The Big Apple at Naas but showed enough to suggest this easier opportunity could be within his capabilities. SHADOW PLAY made his debut in a very strong bumper at Punchestown won by Bordini and he ran well for a long way before fading. There's unlikely to be anything of the winner's class here so Paul Nolan's charge can improve enough to take this.
Surthatwillbegrand (IRE) 66-1 (10-11) Mid-division best, ridden and no extra before 3 out, behind when fell last, in a race won by Killultagh Vic (11-12) at Clonmel 2m 4f mdn hdl hvy in Nov, 12 ran.
Thatshowhedidit (IRE) Kutub gelding out of Last Hope.
Bella Milano (IRE) 33-1 (11-6) Rear, ridden under 3f out, no impression straight, never a factor, 8th of 10, 37l behind Livelovelaugh (11-9) at Punchestown 2m 4yo NH flat.
Cast No Shadow (IRE) 14-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, 7th early, closer in 4th approaching straight, challenged 2f out, no impression in 7th 1f out, one pace, 5th of 16, 14l behind The Big Apple (11-4) at Naas 2m 4yo NH flat sft in Nov.
On Fiddlers Green (IRE) 20-1 (11-9) Held up towards rear, driven in 9th under 3f out, some progress to 7th entering straight, no further headway, 7th of 10, 11l behind Livelovelaugh (11-9) at Punchestown 2m 4yo NH flat.
Presentingoscar (IRE) Oscar gelding out of Inch Promise.
Shadow Play (IRE) 33-1 (11-2) Chased leader in 2nd, close up 6f out, ridden in 3rd 2f out, no extra over 1f out, 6th of 7, 23l behind Bordini (11-7) at Punchestown 2m 4yo NH flat sft in Nov.
The Gatechecker (IRE) 2-1 (11-9) Rcd 3rd, smooth prog 2out, went to ldrs bef last, went on row, won at Ballingarry 3m ire ptp in Jun beating Native Gamut (11-9) by 3l, 4 ran.
Tongie (IRE) 100-1 (11-9) Mid-division, ridden into 8th 3 out, no extra before 2 out, 14th of 29, 23l behind Domesday Book (11-9) at Navan 2m mdn hdl.
Strandfield Queen (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) Mid-division, chased leaders in 4th 5f out but no impression in 8th entering straight, 8th of 16, 38l behind Beluckyagain (11-9) at Thurles 2m mares n h flat hvy in Jan.
