tracked leaders in 3rd, niggled along from 6th, ridden entering straight, went 2nd 2 out, no impression on winner approaching last, kept on same pace run-in
made all, pushed along 2 out, ridden clear approaching last, stayed on well run-in
tracked leader in 2nd, ridden and dropped to 3rd 2 out, soon no impression on leaders, kept on one pace
held up in last throughout, slightly off pace early, headway to close 4th entering straight, pushed along 2 out, soon no impression on leaders, kept on without threatening under hands and heels run-in
FAROUK D'ALENE is a big chasing type who is unbeaten between the flags, in bumpers and over timber, his latest victory coming when long odds-on for a Down Royal maiden hurdle. He faces very much stiffer competition here with Sneaky Getaway looking a real threat. Emmet Mullins' charge, a dual bumper and Flat winner, easily landed a maiden hurdle over 2m5f at Roscommon back in June and a run at the Curragh last month will have put him spot-on. Farceur Du Large, an easy winner over 2m3f at Downpatrick, didn't enjoy dropping down in trip next time and though Wingin A Prayer easily landed a Down Royal maiden in March he's twice fallen when attempting this trip. Winning bumper Dreamingandhoping has never been further than the minimum trip.
Farceur Du Large (FR) 11-8fav (11-11) Led, not fluent at 2nd, headed after 4th, dropped to 3rd approaching straight, not fluent at last, ridden and kept on to 2nd closing stages, not trouble winner, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Call Me Lyreen (11-7) at Sligo 2m 1f Yielding in Oct.
Sneaky Getaway (IRE) 14-1 (10-0) Disputed lead early, soon led, headed 2f out, no extra from over 1f out, 12th of 21, 16 1/2l behind Cape Gentleman (9-0) at Curragh 2m hcp sft in Oct.
Wingin A Prayer (IRE) 40-1 (11-8) Towards rear and pushed along early, soon mid-division, fell 2nd, at Punchestown 2m 5f Yielding - Soft in Oct.
Dreamingandhoping (IRE) 2-1jfav (11-9) Chased leader, ran freely, ridden in 3rd 2 out, no impression before last, kept on same pace, 3rd of 11, 3 1/4l behind Carrigeen Lotus (11-9) at Galway 2m mdn sft in Oct.
Farouk D'Alene (FR) 2-9fav (12-0) Tracked leader until led after 1st, not fluent 3rd, headed 4th, led again 7th, eased clear before 2 out, pushed out and kept on well from last, not extended, won at Down Royal 2m 6f mdn Yielding - Soft in Oct beating Pat's Pick (12-0) by 8l, 9 ran.
