settled behind leaders, 5th halfway, ridden in 6th 3f out, soon no extra
chased leader in 2nd, led over 2f out, ridden and headed 1 1/2f out, soon no extra
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, under pressure in moderate 5th 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong to go 3rd
chased leaders, 4th halfway, lost place entering straight, ridden into 6th 2f out, challenged 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, kept on same pace
mid-division, 7th halfway, headway in 5th 3f out, ridden in 3rd 2f out, no extra 1 1/2f out
mid-division early, towards rear halfway, ridden and no extra 3f out
held up towards rear early, 6th halfway, headway into 3rd 3f out, ridden in 2nd 2f out, no extra in 3rd over 1f out, kept on one pace
chased leaders, 3rd halfway, ridden in 4th 3f out, dropped to 7th 2f out, moderate 6th 1f out, kept on one pace
held up in rear, 7th 4f out, headway in 4th 2f out, led 1 1/2f out, ridden and challenged 1f out, kept on well final furlong
Not the best of bumpers to round off the day but something has to win and FORMIDABLEOPPONENT is taken to recoup losses sustained when beaten at odds-on at Punchestown. Noel Meade's youngster has a big reputation after landing a point-to-point by a distance and probably just needed the run last month. Beachdale Lad was only just behind that day and is certain to improve while another winner between the flags, Dont Back Down, has been given a break since a poor opening run under Rules in May. Notification, who ran well for a long way over 2m3f at Naas last month, should improve enough to make his presence felt and he had the more experienced Maccas Lad behind.
Captain Arceus (IRE) 12-1 (11-12) Mid-division early, headway into 3rd at 3rd, ridden in 5th entering straight, soon no extra, 9th of 10, 28l behind Dylan Ross (11-12) at Fairyhouse 2m mdn hdl gd in Oct.
Honour Bay (IRE) 33-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, ridden approaching straight, no extra from under 2f out, 8th of 22, 14l behind Shu Lewis (11-2) at Punchestown 2m 1f 5yo nhf gd in May.
Maccas Lad (IRE) 5-1 (11-7) Prominent, on terms 6f out, struggling from under 4f out, soon no impression and kept on same pace, 4th of 12, 13l behind Yes Way Hosay (11-7) at Wexford 2m N H flat sft in Oct.
Mad Brian (IRE) 8-1 (12-0) Mid div, gd prog 4out, cl 4th 2out, so for 3rd last, 3rd of 14, 5l behind Stone (12-0) at Necarne 3m ire ptp gd in May.
Notification (IRE) 33-1 (11-7) Mid-division, 8th halfway, 7th entering straight, kept on same pace from over 1f out but no chance with easy winner, 4th of 18, 22l behind Don Cossack (11-10) at Naas 2m 3f N H flat hvy in Oct.
Zeneficial (IRE) Beneficial gelding out of Dame Edith.
Beachdale Lad (IRE) 7-1 (11-3) Led, ridden and headed 3f out, no extra in 4th 2f out, kept on one pace, 7th of 12, 10l behind Joxer (11-3) at Punchestown 2m N H flat in Oct.
Dont Back Down (IRE) 14-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, 3rd 4f out, soon ridden and weakened, 19th of 24, well behind King Vuvuzela (11-2) at Punchestown 2m 4yo nhf gd in May.
Formidableopponent (IRE) 4-7fav (11-10) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, improved to challenge entering straight, ridden in 2nd 2f out, no extra in 3rd 1f out, kept on one pace, 6th of 12, 9l behind Joxer (11-3) at Punchestown 2m N H flat in Oct.
