Verdict

MOZOLTOV made a fair debut behind the useful Mount Belbulben at Thurles a year ago and reappeared with a facile success there last month. It will be a surprise if he's beaten here though Clonbanan Lad gained many admirers when following an easy success between the flags with a comfortable victory at Limerick. Tidy Zag is progressing really well as he showed when comfortably accounting for the odds-on Douneve at Thurles while both The Crafty Butcher and Golden Firth have done enough to make this an interesting bumper despite the favourite's likely short odds.

Formwatch

Clonbanan Lad (IRE) 4-1 (12-0) Led, joined under 6f out, in front travelling well before straight, quickened to assert from 2f out, stayed on well, comfortably, won at Limerick 2m nhf hvy in Dec beating Kilcrea (11-4) by 5l, 11 ran.

Mozoltov 1-3fav (12-0) Made all, went on from before straight, stayed on well, very easily, won at Thurles 2m N H flat hvy in Jan beating Scrapper Jack (10-12) by 13l, 10 ran.

Tidy Zag (IRE) 11-1 (11-7) Soon tracked leaders, improved to dispute lead approaching 4f out, led before straight, went on from under 2f out, stayed on well, won at Thurles 2m N H flat hvy in Dec beating Douneve (12-0) by 6l, 6 ran.

Cross To Boston (IRE) 8-1 (11-11) Rear of mid-division, 7th halfway, driven along in close 6th 2f out, soon no extra, 8th of 12, 17l behind Fickle Fortune (10-7) at Down Royal 2m N H flat hvy.

An Old Mans Dream (IRE) Desert Style gelding out of Lady Helen.

Golden Firth (IRE) 12-1 (10-12) Led and disputed, headed 4f out, ridden to regain lead 2 1/2f out, stayed on well final furlong, won at Navan 2m N H flat in Jan beating Kaylas Charm (10-12) by 4l, 10 ran.

The Crafty Butcher (IRE) 6-1 (11-7) Soon mid-division, good progress to track leaders from before straight, 3rd over 2f out, ridden to challenge and on terms from over 1f out, gained narrow lead briefly inside final furlong, just denied on line, 2nd of 18, ns behind Our Vinnie (11-12) at Naas 2m 3f N H flat in Jan.

Lady Milano (IRE) 11-4fav (11-7) Waited with, struggling approaching 4f out, soon no impression and kept on same pace, 8th of 15, 38l behind Scrapper Jack (11-0) at Limerick 2m mrs N H flat hvy in Jan.