ran 4th, pushed along approaching 3 out, no extra in 5th after 2 out, eased
ran 5th, went 3rd 2 out, soon ridden and no impression approaching last, under pressure and kept on well to lead final 100 yards
led, ridden and challenged when slight mistake last, soon headed and dropped to 3rd, kept on one pace
tracked leader, 2nd halfway, slight mistake 4 out, pushed along to challenge last and led briefly run-in, headed and no impression on winner closing stages
in rear, went 4th 2 out, no impression approaching last, kept on one pace
tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, pushed along approaching 3 out, soon no extra and dropped to rear
Willie Mullins has never won this so will be hoping the exciting UN BEAU ROMAN (NAP) can put matters right. A decent enough hurdler, he wold have made a successful start over fences but for falling at Killarney and made amends with an impressive victory at Tramore. He'll find this much tougher but is taken to see off the challenge of Ted Veale. Noel Meade's charge gained his opening victory over fences at Galway and has run twice on the Flat subsequently including in the Ebor at York. Enjoy Responsibility attempted to make all over a slightly longer trip at Galway but fell into a heap at the second last. He can do better ridden with more restraint on this flatter track and could snatch a place. Shake The Bucket was in front of him on that occasion but is probably better over further. The Black Russian made a winning chase debut at Ballinrobe but like Usa will find these a different proposition.
Shake The Bucket (IRE) 14-1 (11-7) Held up in close 4th, 3rd at 8th, 2nd after 6 out, 3rd and niggled along after 4 out, on terms 3 out, pushed along in 2nd before 2 out, kept on well after last, lost 2nd on line, 3rd of 4, 2 1/2l behind Hurricane Ridge (11-4) at Listowel 2m 4f nov chs gd.
Ted Veale (IRE) 6-5fav (11-12) Soon chased leaders in 5th, 4th before 5 out, 3rd approaching 2 out where 2nd, ridden to challenge straight, led inside final furlong and stayed on well,, won at Galway 2m 1f beg chs in Aug beating Clonbanan Lad (11-12) by 1 1/4l, 7 ran.
The Black Russian (IRE) 7-2 (11-12) Made all, jumped well, clear from before last where jumped slightly left, stayed on well run-in, comfortably,, won at Ballinrobe 2m 1f beg chs gd beating Empresario (11-10) by 4 1/2l, 7 ran.
Un Beau Roman (FR) 1-2fav (11-12) Chased leader in 2nd, challenged after 3 out, led before 2 out, assert before last, easily, won at Tramore 2m beg chs gd in Aug beating Caolaneoin (11-12) by 7l, 6 ran.
Usa (IRE) 15-2 (11-12) Held up behind leaders, moderate 4th halfway, ridden in moderate 4th from 3 out, no impression, 4th of 5, 35l behind Fosters Cross (11-2) at Ballinrobe 2m 1f chs gf in Aug.
Enjoy Responsibly (IRE) 4-1 (10-13) Led and disputed, clear of field from 3rd, led before 6th, reduced advantage after 3 out, ridden and headed last, no extra entering straight, 5th of 6, 18l behind Alelchi Inois (11-8) at Galway 2m 1f nov chs (1) gf.
