soon raced in moderate 4th, closer order 5 out, no impression in moderate 3rd 2 out, kept on same pace run-in, just failed for 2nd
chased leader, a little slow 5th, pushed along briefly 10th, improved to be on terms before straight, gained narrow lead between last 2, stayed on well to assert run-in
raced in 4th early, last at 2nd, soon trailing and never a factor
led, clear early, headed before straight, soon weakened
chased leader, closed up 9th, improved to be on terms before straight, headed between last 2, no extra run-in, just held on for 2nd
Ipsos Du Berlais has produced two fine runs in very tough handicaps and will be staying on when others have had enough. Rogue Angel made all in very testing ground at Punchestown and though earlier behind Clar Na Mionn at Cork looks to have made the better progress and can reverse the form. Foxrock is a smart staying chaser who ran well behind two very useful performers in the Grade 1 Topaz at Leopardstown. He looks certain to go well but the vote goes to SIZING GOLD. Henry De Bromhead's charge made a very impressive chasing debut at Navan where he had subsequent winner Mullaghanoe River behind and can continue his upward curve.
Clar Na Mionn (IRE) 14-1 (11-6) Tracked leaders, 4th into straight, no impression and kept on same pace from before 2 out, 4th of 7, 7l behind The Paparrazi Kid (11-6) at Limerick 2m 3f nov chs Grade 2 (1) hvy in Dec.
Foxrock (IRE) 7-1 (11-9) Held up, 5th halfway, improved to dispute 3rd from 8 out, slight mistake 3 out, ridden in 6th and mistake 2 out, stayed on to 3rd last, no impression leaders run-in, kept on same pace, 3rd of 7, 9l behind Carlingford Lough (11-10) at Leopardstown 3m nov chs Grade 1 (4yo+) (1) in Dec.
Ipsos Du Berlais (FR) 20-1 (10-5) Held up, soon towards rear, improved to be prominent approaching straight, kept on same pace under pressure run-in, 3rd of 28, 2l behind Rockyaboya (10-3) at Leopardstown 3m hcp chs 0-145 sft in Dec.
Rogue Angel (IRE) 7-1 (11-11) Made all, went clear and ridden from 2 out, stayed on well under pressure from last, won at Punchestown 3m beg chs hvy in Dec beating Touch The Eden (11-12) by 11l, 9 ran.
Sizing Gold (IRE) 9-10fav (11-12) Tracked leader, on terms from 7th, led 9th, briefly pressed between last 2, clear from before last, ridden out briefly to assert run-in, won at Navan 2m 4f beg chs in Dec beating Mullaghanoe River (11-12) by 4l, 9 ran.
