Paul Nolan won this a year ago and winning point-to-pointer Prince Ludovic is certain to have come on for his hurdling debut at Punchestown. The filly Driveheron gets all the allowances and ran well enough in a handicap here a fortnight ago to be considered but DARING ARTICLE will take some beating. Robert Tyner's point-to-point and bumper winner ran an excellent race behind the experienced Jetson over this C&D two weeks ago and can go one better. Earth Tremor's second to Willie Mullins' Rockaboya at Downpatrick was given a boost by the winner's subsequent victory over fences while the champion trainer's Felix Yonger is one to note as he makes his debut over timber.
Daring Article (IRE) 6-1 (11-12) Soon tracked leaders, challenged and on terms before 3 out, headed and struggling to get to winner from before next, kept on same pace, 2nd of 20, 4l behind Jetson (11-12) at Cork 2m 4f mdn hdl sft.
Earth Tremor (IRE) 3-1fav (11-4) Chased leaders, 6th halfway, headway into 3rd 4 out, 2nd after 3 out, ridden to lead 2 out, headed last, no extra run-in, kept on same pace, 2nd of 11, 2 1/2l behind Rockyaboya (11-4) at Downpatrick 2m 7f mdn hdl gd in Sep.
Felix Yonger (IRE) 66-1 (11-5) Mid-division, lost place over 4f out, soon behind, tailed off, 21st of 24, well behind Cheltenian (11-5) at Cheltenham 2m N H flat G1 (1) gd in Mar.
Millcove Bay (IRE) 33-1 (11-7) Soon close up, on terms 5 out, headed and no extra from 3 out, kept on same pace, 5th of 20, 23l behind Jetson (11-12) at Cork 2m 4f mdn hdl sft.
Tailors Hill (IRE) 33-1 (11-10) Rear of mid-division, 8th 3 out, moderate 5th and ridden before 2 out, 4th at last, kept on well into 2nd run-in, not trouble winner, 2nd of 18, 8l behind Jenari (11-7) at Limerick 2m cond mdn hdl sft.
Abbey Rock (IRE) 8-1 (11-7) Rr early, prog to mid div 8th, sn no ex, ko onepcd, 7th of 16, 20l behind Flying Vic (11-7) at Templemore 3m ire ptp sft in Apr.
Benson's Point (IRE) 33-1 (11-5) Always towards rear, no extra 3 out, 15th of 17, 44l behind Spring Heeled (11-8) at Galway 2m 4yo mdn hdl hvy in Oct.
Better Than Conan (IRE) 6-4 (11-7) Trkd ldr in 2nd, 3l 2nd 5out, chall ldr aftr 4out, still ev ch when outjumped last, no ex nr fin, 2nd of 9, 1l behind Moyaliff (11-7) at Dromahane 3m ire ptp sft in Oct.
City Line (IRE) 20-1 (11-0) Well off pace towards rear for most, never a factor, 10th of 13, well behind Cash And Go (11-7) at Wexford 2m 4yo mdn hdl sft in Oct.
Hangersonallgone (IRE) Bienamado gelding out of Ballygrangans Lady.
Prince Ludovic (IRE) 7-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, 3rd 3 out, went 2nd entering straight but soon no chance with easy winner, kept on one pace, 3rd of 22, 14l behind Sword Of Destiny (11-12) at Punchestown 2m 4f mdn hdl in Oct.
Driveheron (IRE) 12-1 (10-10) Chased leaders, 3rd and no impression under pressure from 2 out, kept on same pace, 6th of 17, 6l behind Kirbybroguelantern (11-5) at Cork 2m 4f hcp hdl 8Evens09 sft.
