chased leaders, jumped into 2nd at 6th, slight mistake next, close up 5 out, disputed from 3 out, 2nd and slight mistake 2 out, ridden to narrow lead last, headed run-in, no extra close home and dropped to 3rd
held up towards rear, ridden 4 out, no impression before next
chased leaders, 4th halfway, 3rd 7 out, close up 5 out, disputed next, narrow lead 2 out, soon ridden, narrowly headed and mistake last, soon 3rd, kept on same pace to 2nd close home
disputed early, led 3rd, disputed 4 out, headed and slight mistake next, ridden in 4th entering straight, no extra 2 out, kept on one pace
led and disputed early, slightly slow 2nd, soon chased leader, 3rd halfway, 4th and ridden 5 out, slight mistake next, soon weakened
held up, 5th halfway, progress in 3rd entering straight, travelled well to challenge before last, ridden to lead run-in, kept on well
held up towards rear, mistake 2nd, ridden in 5th and no impression 3 out
The return to action of Last Instalment has been very eagerly awaited. Philip Fenton's star chaser is unbeaten in four starts over fences, the last two in Grade 1 company including a six-length victory over First Lieutenant at Leopardstown in December 2011. He hasn't been seen since the following February but wouldn't be risked unless though capable of a big run. Willie Mullins had plenty of original entries and relies on Prince De Beauchene, who is more likely to be seen to better effect in the Grand National. QUITO DE LA ROQUE came into this race a year ago in poor form but gained an impressive victory. It's a similar story this time and, though he was behind Realt Dubh the last time they met here in November, he was conceding 10lb and can reverse the form and score again. Baily Green ran poorly in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown last time but his earlier run behind Sizing Europe puts him right in the frame while the progressive Argocat was there with every chance on his return to action at Down Royal in November when falling at the last.
Last Instalment (IRE) 8-11fav (11-10) Made all, ridden entering straight and pressed approaching last, kept on well run-in, won at Leopardstown 2m 5f nov chs G1 (1) gs in Feb '12 beating Call The Police (11-10) by 1 1/2l, 4 ran.
Argocat (IRE) 20-1 (11-9) Chased leaders in 3rd, improved to challenge 3 out, ridden in close 2nd 2 out, every chance and half length down when fell last, in a race won by Rolling Aces (11-5) at Down Royal 2m 4f chs Grd 2 (1) sft in Nov, 7 ran.
Baily Green (IRE) 10-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, closer order 6 out, moderate 5th before straight, no extra when jumped right last, 5th of 7, 31l behind Benefficient (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m 1f chs G1 (1) sft in Dec.
Prince De Beauchene (FR) 20-1 (11-10) Chased leaders, rear but in touch halfway, mistake 3 out and no extra after next, weakened, last of 9, 40l behind Bobs Worth (11-10) at Leopardstown 3m chs G1 (1) in Dec.
Quito De La Roque (FR) 13-8 (11-10) Led or disputed lead, jumped left 9th, headed after 5 out and ridden in 5th approaching straight, no extra approaching last, kept on one pace, 4th of 6, 13l behind Noble Prince (11-0) at Thurles 2m 6f lst chs (1) gd in Nov.
Texas Jack (IRE) 5-1 (11-6) Chased leaders, pushed along from early, struggling in 4th before 3 out, closer in 3rd and challenged before next, no impression last, kept on same pace run-in, 3rd of 6, 5l behind Arvika Ligeonniere (11-8) at Clonmel 2m 4f chs Grd 2 (1) in Nov.
Realt Dubh (IRE) 7-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, mistake 5th, pushed along from next, no danger in moderate 6th approaching straight, 5th of 7, 27l behind Twinlight (11-10) at Cork 2m chs Grd 2 (1) sft in Dec.
