waited with, closer order circuit to go, chased leaders and slight mistake 2 out, no impression and kept on same pace from last
chased leader, not fluent 1st, closer order circuit to go, challenged and on terms before straight, not fluent last, headed and no extra run-in, kept on same pace
attempted to make all, soon clear, reduced lead circuit to go, joined approaching 2 out, soon headed and no extra, dropped to 6th close home
chased leaders, closer in 3rd circuit to go, on terms approaching 2 out, soon led, joined before straight, headed and no extra last, kept on same pace
chased leaders and a little off the pace to around halfway, close 3rd before straight, challenged and on terms last, led and stayed on well run-in, comfortably
in rear, dropped behind and not fluent 4th, never a factor, tailed off
waited with towards rear, never a factor, moderate 6th when pecked a bit at last, kept on run-in into moderate 5th close home
A cracking contest with several smart novices engaged. Giant's Quest has won handicaps on the Flat and over timber recently and has to be a threat to all while Que Pasa is progressing really well and followed her victory over 2m here with a very good run on the Flat at Bellwestown. The Black Russian has found his form with victories at Sligo and in a handicap at Kilbeggan so is unlikely to be found wanting but INDEVAN is such a scopey type that he's handed the vote. Willie Mullins has always thought plenty of the five-year-old who had a nice canter round on his return from a summer break at Sligo a month ago and looks the type to go on to better things.
Giant's Quest (AUS) 7-4fav (11-2) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, ridden in 3rd before 2 out, challenged after 2 out, strongly pressed leader from last, kept on run-in to lead close home, won at Bellewstown 2m 4f hcp hdl gd in Aug beating Captain Arceus (11-12) by 3/4l, 14 ran.
Indevan 1-5fav (11-12) Made all, travelling well 2 out, soon went clear on-bridle, not fluent at last, stayed on well run-in, not extended, won at Sligo 2m nh nov hdl gs in Aug beating Whisky Galore (11-6) by 3 1/2l, 4 ran.
The Black Russian (IRE) 2-1 (11-8) Made all and soon clear, jumped well, advantage a bit reduced 3 out, still nice lead at last where not as good a jump but still quick, stayed on well run-in, won at Kilbeggan 2m hcp hdl 80-109 gd in Aug beating Vinniespride (10-9) by 3 1/2l, 11 ran.
Aranhill Chief (IRE) 14-1 (10-11) Towards rear early, mid-division halfway, ridden in 7th before 3 out, no extra 3 out, pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Giant's Quest (11-2) at Bellewstown 2m 4f hcp hdl gd in Aug, 14 ran.
Que Pasa (IRE) 7-1 (11-2) Held up early, 5th halfway, good headway approaching 2 out where challenged, led entering straight, ridden from last, kept on well under pressure run-in, all out close home, won at Galway 2m nh nov hdl gd in Jul beating Shamar (11-12) by nk, 8 ran.
Venture Lazarus (IRE) 10-1 (11-3) Mid-division, ridden and weakened 4 out, pulled up after 3 out, in a race won by Muzak (11-3) at Ballinrobe 2m 1f hcp chs 0-116 gd in Aug, 11 ran.
Only Exception (IRE) 6-1 (10-9) Held up in last, 3rd after 4 out, ridden 2 out and no impression, kept on same pace, just held for 2nd close home, 3rd of 4, 9l behind Top Madam (11-1) at Bellewstown 2m 1f hdl gd in Aug.
Dun Scaith (IRE) 25-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, well off pace, no extra 3 out, 11th of 16, well behind The Black Russian (11-4) at Sligo 2m mdn hdl in Aug.
