held up in rear, hampered 5th, some progress to chase leaders 3 out, soon ridden, no impression straight
led, headed briefly 3rd, headed and ridden 4 out, moderate 3rd entering straight, kept on one paced from 2 out
always prominent, led 4 out, stretched clear travelling well entering straight, stayed on strongly from 2 out, easily
tracked leaders, ridden in 6th 4 out, soon weakened
held up towards rear, ridden from 5 out, weakened from 3 out
tracked leaders, ridden in 4th 3 out, soon no impression
prominent, close 3rd 4 out, ridden from next, moderate 2nd entering straight, no extra from 2 out
tracked leaders, fell 5th
held up in touch, closer in 5th 4 out, ridden from next, moderate 6th entering straight, moderate 5th at last, kept on without threatening easy winner to go 2nd run-in
This has been won by some nice types and should be again as it's attracted a very strong line-up. Far Away So Close was conceding 8lb when beaten 3l by Tribes And Banners over the minimum trip here earlier in the month and though the winner will be better suited by the quick ground he's unlikely to confirm the form on these terms. Toner D'Oudairies appeared to find 2m6f taxing his stamina when runner-up to Mad Brian at Killarney and this is more like his trip while Moon Dice had a confidence booster over hurdles at Cork after falling in two of his three starts over fences. The mare BURN AND TURN easily landed a Limerick beginners event earlier in the month and with her allowance a big plus in such a competitive affair she's handed the vote. Echo Bob and He's Our Man are also strong contenders in an interesting opener.
Echo Bob (IRE) 14-1 (10-11) Led until 7th, stayed close up, no extra final 100 yards, 6th of 17, 13l behind Oiseau de Nuit (11-8) at Aintree 2m hcp chs G3 (1) gd in Apr.
Imperial Shabra (IRE) 16-1 (11-3) Tracked leaders, lost place from 3 out, soon no impression, 9th of 11, 30l behind Caheronaun (10-10) at Limerick 2m 3f hcp chs gd in Apr.
Tribes And Banner (IRE) 16-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, moderate 3rd halfway, 2nd 5 out, closed before 4 out, led after 4 out, asserted next, ridden 2 out, kept on from last, won at Punchestown 2m hcp chs beating Far Away So Close (11-5) by 3l, 14 ran.
Far Away So Close (IRE) 8-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, moderate 5th halfway, closer before 4 out, ridden into 3rd entering straight, 2nd 2 out, no impression winner before last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 14, 3l behind Tribes And Banner (10-11) at Punchestown 2m hcp chs.
Gimli's Rock (IRE) 20-1 (11-1) Tracked leaders, lost place and no extra from 4 out, 8th of 11, well behind Maccas Lad (11-1) at Kilbeggan 3m hdl sft.
He's Our Man (IRE) 14-1 (11-7) Soon tracked leaders, 3rd 3 out, in front next, soon strongly pressed, headed and kept on without matching winner run-in, 2nd of 17, 3/4l behind House Rules (11-4) at Down Royal 2m 4f hcp chs gd.
Moon Dice (IRE) 5-1 (11-2) Chased leaders in 3rd, ridden entering straight, mistake 2 out, kept on to 2nd last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 5, 2 1/2l behind Make Your Mark (11-2) at Cork 2m hdl gd.
Toner D'Oudairies (FR) 11-2 (11-10) Close up and disputed lead, just in front from 3 out, joined last, headed and kept on without matching winner closing stages, 2nd of 5, 1l behind Mad Brian (11-1) at Killarney 2m 6f nov chs sft.
Burn And Turn (IRE) 11-10fav (11-5) Chased leaders, 5th halfway, headway into 3rd 3 out, improved to lead 2 out, asserted before last, pushed out and stayed on strongly run-in, easily, won at Limerick 2m 1f beg chs sft beating Six Stone Ned (11-12) by 8l, 15 ran.
