tracked leader in 3rd at a steady pace, ridden and no impression approaching last, no extra run-in and kept on one pace
tracked leader in 2nd at a steady pace, pushed along to challenge last, ridden to lead run-in and kept on well closing stages
led at a steady pace, jumped right, mistake 2nd and slight mistake 5th, pushed along and challenged last, headed run-in and no impression closing stages
held up in rear at a steady pace, pushed along when pace quickened before 2 out and soon no extra
AP McCoy's mount Minella Foru scrambled home in a point-to-point in March but won with something in hand on his hurdling debut at Listowel and there's more to come. Definite Elegance will be placed to win races though has a mountain to climb here against Very Wood and KING OF THE PICTS. The former has changed hands since last season and had an easy task to land a maiden hurdle for Noel Meade at Galway last month. He's regarded as an outstanding chasing prospect and though receiving 7lb from his rival he may not have his pace in this small field after Pat Shanahan's charge produced a cracking victory in similar grade at Tipperary.
King of The Picts (IRE) 12-1 (10-11) Raced mainly in 2nd, challenged and gained narrow lead 2 out, stayed on well under pressure run-in, won at Tipperary 2m nov hdl Grd 3 (1) gd in Oct beating Que Pasa (11-1) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.
Minella Foru (IRE) 8-1 (11-7) Soon chased leaders, closer order travelling well from before straight, 3rd before 2 out, soon challenged and gained narrow lead before last, kept on well run-in, won at Listowel 2m 4yo mdn hdl in Sep beating Shamsikhan (11-7) by 1/2l, 18 ran.
Very Wood (FR) 2-11fav (11-7) Soon close up, led 4th, made rest, not fluent 2 out, clear and stayed on well from last, comfortably, won at Galway 2m 4yo mdn hdl hvy in Oct beating Blow The Doors Off (11-7) by 3 1/2l, 7 ran.
Definite Elegance (IRE) 14-1 (10-13) Tracked leaders and 4th halfway, pushed along in 7th 3 out and no impression in 8th entering straight, rallied under pressure to go 5th last, kept on one pace, 5th of 18, 13l behind Love On Top (11-0) at Clonmel 2m 4f mdn hdl sft in Oct.
