DAMUT has been a revelation this season and could hardly have been more impressive than when successful in what looked a tough handicap over 2m4f on heavy going here last month. He has a double penalty to carry but, with the longer trip likely to be even more in his favour, he can complete a five-timer. Gangster turned a Listowel novices' contest into a procession in September and though that was over the minimum trip he's always been thought of as a likely stayer. Cogryhill made a successful debut over timber at Down Royal but didn't appear to run up to scratch when sent into Grade 2 company at Navan. Last Encounter finished in front of him that day and is on the upgrade but the remaining pair will need to raise their game.
Damut (IRE) 5-1 (10-9) Held up, soon rear of mid-division, closed and not much room when slight mistake 4 out, on terms travelling smoothly into straight, soon led, jumped slightly right 3 out, soon pushed clear, stayed on well run-in, easily, won at Cork 2m 4f hcp hvy in Nov beating Federici (10-4) by 12l, 12 ran.
Gangster (FR) 5-4fav (11-5) Chased leader in 2nd, disputed from 4th, led next, asserted before 2 out, pushed out briefly after 2 out, clear last, easily, won at Listowel 2m sft in Sep beating After Rain (11-5) by 8l, 6 ran.
Cogryhill (IRE) 10-3 (11-3) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, slight mistake 4 out, ridden in 3rd before straight, no extra in 5th 3 out, kept on one pace, 5th of 9, 18 3/4l behind Falcon Crest (11-3) at Navan 2m 4f (1) sft in Nov.
Just Cause (IRE) 2-1fav (11-10) Tracked leaders in 3rd, slightly impeded and slight mistake 4 out, pushed along after 3 out, challenged and on terms 2 out, soon led, headed approaching last, no extra and eased closing stages, 2nd of 5, 6l behind Roman Gold (11-7) at Thurles 2m 6f sft in Nov.
Last Encounter (IRE) 18-1 (11-3) Mid-division, 5th halfway, closer in 4th entering straight, ridden 3 out, no impression next and left 3rd, kept on one pace from before last, 3rd of 9, 8 1/4l behind Falcon Crest (11-3) at Navan 2m 4f (1) sft in Nov.
Cheiliuradh (IRE) 16-1 (10-2) Raced in rear, closer in 4th before 3 out and soon ridden, no impression in 3rd from before last where fell, at Cork 3m (1) sft in Nov.
