tracked leader disputing 2nd, went 2nd 4 out, ridden to dispute lead 2 out, led approaching last, stayed on well run-in
led, jumped slightly left at times, ridden and joined 2 out, headed approaching last, no extra in 3rd run-in
tracked leaders in 4th, dropped to moderate 4th when jumped badly right 4th, no impression from next, continued in remote 4th from 3 out
tracked leader disputing 2nd, 3rd 4 out, progress on outer into close 3rd 2 out, ridden in 2nd approaching last, kept on same pace in 2nd run-in
held up in rear, not fluent 3rd and slightly hampered 4th, remote 5th 5 out, no impression from next, never a factor
held up in rear, slightly hampered 4th, remote last 5 out, no impression from next, never a factor
American Tom made a successful debut for Willie Mullins over hurdles at Gowran two years ago then won a Punchestown novice chase a year later when Uncle Danny was 25 lengths behind. He was found to be coughing after struggling before falling here in January but should be back to his best for his reappearance. ORDINARY WORLD won only once over hurdles but is a very much better chaser. He made a winning start at Fairyhouse last October and his four subsequent placed efforts were at the highest level, including a narrow defeat by Identity Thief at Punchestown and a third behind Altior in the Arkle at Cheltenham. Neverushacon has been in excellent form on the Flat and over fences all summer despite only winning once but couldn't handle the step up to Grade 2 company at Down Royal last week when well behind Disko with Ball D'arc third. The latter hasn't quite made the expected progress from completing a hat-trick earlier this year and his jumping will need to improve.
Ball D'Arc (FR) 16-1 (11-10) Towards rear, mistake 8th, some headway and slight mistake 3 out, pushed along and no impression in 4th before next, kept on one pace, 3rd of 7, 8 1/2l behind Disko (11-12) at Down Royal 2m 4f (1) sft in Nov.
American Tom (FR) 8-15fav (11-8) Led, joined after 2nd, headed before 4th, slight mistake 5th, dropped to last before 6th and pushed along, fell heavily next, at Naas 2m sft in Jan.
Neverushacon (IRE) 33-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, pushed along and no impression in 5th after 3 out, no extra next, weakened, 6th of 7, 30 1/4l behind Disko (11-12) at Down Royal 2m 4f (1) sft in Nov.
Ordinary World (IRE) 7-1 (11-10) Prominent, soon chased leaders, slight mistake 4th, closer order 7th, slight mistake 3 out, 2nd approaching straight, kept on same pace from before last, 2nd of 8, 11l behind Great Field (11-10) at Punchestown 2m (1) Good - Yielding in Apr.
Peoples Park (IRE) 7-1 (10-6) Mid-division, mistake 8th, pushed along towards rear after 4 out, no extra and pulled up before 2 out, at Listowel 2m 3f hcp Yielding in Jun.
Uncle Danny (IRE) 25-1 (11-10) Prominent until brought down 3 out, at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp (2) sft in Jan.
