tracked leader, 2nd 3 out, dropped to 4th approaching straight, slight mistake 2 out and soon went 2nd, ridden and no impression on winner approaching last, kept on one pace run-in
tracked leader, jumped left 2nd, 2nd halfway, pushed along in 3rd approaching straight, ridden and no impression approaching last where not fluent, kept on one pace
made all, jumped left 1st, slight mistake 3 out, asserted after 2 out and 3 lengths clear last, kept on well run-in, comfortably
ran 4th, headway into 2nd approaching straight, slight mistake 2 out and soon no extra, eased before last
held up in rear, slight mistake 3 out, pushed along after 2 out and no impression in 4th before last, kept on one pace
Winning bumper Sassy Diva had an easy task to lose her maiden tag at Ayr then just failed to hold the late thrust of Tintangle over this track and trip. She'll enjoy the conditions and is capable of another big run though has to concede weight all round. Beautiful Citi, a dual bumper winner, was handed the race on a plate when making a successful hurdles debut at Listowel then couldn't handle Grade 3 company at Tipperary where she was tailed off. Strange Notions has shown a bit of potential on testing ground though this is a tough test but Rovetta was in superb form in August, landing a Galway handicap hurdle then scoring on the Flat there a few days later and completing a hat-trick at the Curragh. She shouldn't be underestimated though those who saw HONEYSUCKLE make her debut at Fairyhouse last month won't want to miss her here. A very easy winner between the flags at Dromahane, she was always travelling easily for her hurdling bow and looks a very classy recruit.
Sassy Diva (IRE) 13-8 (10-12) Tracked leaders, on terms approaching straight, led and went on from between last 2 until pressed last, kept on well run-in, headed near line, 2nd of 6, hd behind Tintangle (10-7) at Thurles 2m gd in Nov.
Beautiful Citi (IRE) 25-1 (10-4) In rear, slight mistake 3rd, not fluent 4th, no danger 5th, completely tailed off, last of 6, dist behind Quick Grabim (11-1) at Tipperary 2m (1) gd in Oct.
Honeysuckle 9-10fav (10-12) Soon tracked leader in 2nd took keen hold, disputed lead from 4th, led travelling well 3 out, went clear from 2 out, briefly pushed along, stayed on well under hands and heels run-in, impressive, won at Fairyhouse 2m 4f mdn gd in Nov beating Moskovite (11-7) by 12l, 9 ran.
Rovetta (FR) 6-1 (9-7) Settled behind leaders, 7th halfway, ridden 2f out, no extra over 1f out, 10th of 14, 10 1/2l behind Baby Pink (9-0) at Galway 1m 4f lst fll stks (1) hvy in Sep.
Strange Notions (IRE) 7-1 (9-2) Loaded without rider, took keen hold, raced in 6th early, chased leaders and switched left over 1f out, kept on without troubling front pair into 3rd near finish, 3rd of 9, 1 3/4l behind Like An Open Book (9-2) at Roscommon 1m 4f mdn fll sft in May.
