chased leaders and 4th halfway, pushed along and no impression in 5th entering straight, moderate 4th before last and kept on one pace
towards rear, 6th halfway and pushed along approaching 4 out, ridden and no impression in moderate 4th early straight, no extra and dropped to 5th before last
led, collided with rival 2nd, pushed along entering straight and headed 2 out, ridden approaching last where mistake, no impression and kept on one pace run-in
tracked leaders and 3rd halfway, went 2nd 4 out and headway to lead 2 out, ridden to assert run-in and kept on well
prominent early, collided with rival 2nd and mistake next, dropped towards rear before halfway, in rear approaching 4 out and soon no extra, pulled up before 3 out
settled towards rear, some headway into 3rd 3 out, pushed along and soon no impression on first 2, kept on one pace
prominent when mistake 1st, tracked leader in 2nd, 3rd 4 out and pushed along approaching next where mistake, soon no extra and weakened, tailed off
chased leaders and 5th halfway, pushed along and no impression in moderate 6th after 3 out, no extra in straight
A fine turnout with DEFY LOGIC taken to see off some very powerful opposition. Paul Nolan's charge, runner-up in two Grade 2's over hurdles, made a very impressive debut over fences at Naas when making all and can carry on the good work. Willie Mullins has three representatives with Ruby Walsh choosing Felix Yonger over Balnaslow and Passage Vendome. The former is definitely the class act of the trio and a very smart performer in the making though he's likely to be better over further. Shrapnel's two chase victories have been hard come by and he's penalised as a result and the remainder will need to raise their game to beat the principals.
Shrapnel (IRE) 5-4fav (11-1) Tracked leader in 2nd, on terms 5 out, soon led, jumped a little left 2 out, stayed on well inside final furlong, won at Galway 2m 1f nov chs (1) hvy in Oct beating Clar Na Mionn (11-1) by 2 1/2l, 5 ran.
Balnaslow (IRE) 4-6fav (11-12) Led and disputed, not fluent 8th, not entirely fluent 7 out or 2 out either where in front, stayed on well run-in, not extended, won at Thurles 2m 6f beg chs gd in Oct beating Hunting Party (11-12) by 1 1/4l, 10 ran.
Defy Logic (IRE) 2-5fav (11-12) Made all and raced keenly, slight mistake 3rd, asserted approaching last and drew well clear run-in, easily, won at Naas 2m beg chs in Oct beating Golanbrook (11-12) by 19l, 9 ran.
Felix Yonger (IRE) 9-10fav (11-12) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, 2nd 5 out, improved to lead after 4 out, travelled well entering straight, ran around slightly approaching last, ridden run-in, kept on well, won at Punchestown 2m 4f beg chs in May beating White Star Line (11-9) by 1 3/4l, 15 ran.
Jim Will Fix It (IRE) 9-1 (11-12) Led, slow 3rd, headed after 5th, remained close 2nd, dropped to 4th approaching 3 out, soon left challenging after 3 out, narrow lead entering straight, ridden after 2 out, kept on well from before last, all out close home, won at Punchestown 2m beg chs in Oct beating Way Up In The Air (11-5) by hd, 7 ran.
Passage Vendome (FR) 8-11fav (11-12) Settled behind leaders early, left 3rd 6th, 2nd halfway, improved to lead after 3 out, asserted before last, shaken up briefly run-in, easily, won at Tramore 2m beg chs gd in Oct beating Gentleman Duke (11-11) by 4 1/2l, 7 ran.
Six Stone Ned (IRE) 4-1 (11-1) Led, jumped a bit left 4th, joined 5 out, soon headed, remained prominent, no impression under pressure in 3rd and kept on same pace closing stages, 3rd of 5, 7l behind Shrapnel (11-1) at Galway 2m 1f nov chs (1) hvy in Oct.
Sizing Machine (IRE) 6-4fav (11-8) Soon chased leader in 2nd, led halfway, mistake and headed 5 out, ridden in close 3rd 3 out, no extra before next and kept on one pace, 5th of 10, 34l behind Spring Heeled (11-5) at Killarney 2m 4f nov chs gd in Aug.
