chased leader in 2nd, 3rd from 4th, ridden and no extra 2 out, kept on one pace in rear from before last
led, pressed 2 out, soon ridden, headed approaching last, no extra in 3rd run-in, kept on same pace
held up in rear, ridden 2 out, no impression in 4th before last, kept on one pace
chased leaders, mainly 3rd early, improved into 2nd at 4th, challenged and slight mistake 2 out, soon ridden, disputed approaching last, 2nd and no extra run-in, kept on same pace
held up, mainly 4th, slight mistake 4th, ridden to close in 3rd after 2 out, disputed approaching last, led run-in and kept on strongly to go clear closing stages
This looks better than Listed class. Attribution couldn't match the very talented Min in a Punchestown Grade 2 in January but that was certainly no disgrace. He had subsequent winner Ball D'Arc behind and that one had three lengths to spare over Royal Caviar on the same track later. The latter's yard are also represented by Burgas, who put his opening effort to good use when a very convincing winner at Thurles. He could be very smart, as could GURTEEN and it's the latter who gets the nod. Although beaten long way behind Min on his debut over timber, he's subsequently improved and his latest victory over De Plotting Shed has been given a boost by the winner. Sutton Place made a fine start over hurdles at Navan in December and gained an impressive victory in a Fairyhouse bumper so he's not making up the numbers in an interesting contest.
Attribution 9-2 (11-2) Tracked leaders in moderate 3rd, went 2nd 4 out, ridden in closer 2nd 2 out, no impression on easy winner approaching last, kept on same pace run-in, 2nd of 5, 9 1/2l behind Min (11-0) at Punchestown 2m (1) hvy in Jan.
Burgas (FR) 4-6fav (11-3) Soon disputed lead, slightly slow 2nd, led after 2 out, asserted from before last, stayed on well run-in, easily, won at Thurles 2m mdn hvy in Feb beating Mr Antolini (11-4) by 9 1/2l, 15 ran.
Gurteen (IRE) 4-6fav (11-12) Chased leaders, slight mistake 2nd, closed up behind leaders 3 out, 3rd next travelling smoothly, challenged and on terms last, soon led, stayed on well run-in, easily, won at Navan 2m mdn Soft - Heavy in Jan beating De Plotting Shed (11-12) by 3l, 18 ran.
Royal Caviar (IRE) 4-1 (11-9) Chased leader in 2nd, ridden to challenge entering straight, under pressure in 2nd and switched out before last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 5, 3l behind Ball D'arc (11-7) at Punchestown 2m lst (1) sft in Jan.
Sutton Place (IRE) 4-9fav (11-12) Held up early, soon chased leaders on outer, closed from before straight travelling smoothly, on terms 2f out, led over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong, comfortably, won at Fairyhouse 2m hvy in Jan beating Greco Romain (11-12) by 4 3/4l, 9 ran.
