Verdict
Bronte Bay has yet to lose his maiden tag over fences so it was a surprise to see him favourite for a Listed event at Uttoxeter early this month where he didn't run particularly well. Warcraft looked a force to be reckoned with over fences with a smooth victory over Some Target and both trip and ground will be in his favour. Wickham Street was left clear at the last for his maiden chase victory at Tipperary but he was always travelling strongly and would have won anyway. He'll be a threat but the vote goes to WOODBINE WILLIE, who is stepping up in trip after his third over 2m2f at Punchestown but had earlier looked a stayer in the making when scoring at Cork.
Formwatch
Warcraft 6-1 (11-7) Mid-division, closed to chase leaders from before 4 out, 4th after 3 out, challenged and led before last, stayed on well to go clear run-in, comfortably, won at Ballinrobe 2m 6f beg chase gd beating Some Target (11-12) by 4l, 13 ran.
Wickham Street (IRE) Evensfav (11-12) Tracked leaders, 5th halfway, smooth headway into 2nd after 3 out, cruised into lead before last where left clear, won at Tipperary 2m 4f beg chs gf in Apr beating Hey Porter (11-12) by 9l, 16 ran.
Woodbine Willie (IRE) 5-1 (11-9) Mid-division, moderate 6th after 5 out, closer 3 out, 5th and no impression after 2 out, kept on one pace to snatch 3rd final strides, 3rd of 9, 15l behind Cuan Na Grai (11-12) at Punchestown 2m 2f nov chs gd in Apr.
An Carrig Rua (IRE) 9-4 (12-0) Alw ld & pr, ld 2out & row, won at Tyrella 3m ire ptp in Jan '09 beating Cordero (12-0) by 2l, 14 ran.
Blue's Gold (IRE) 33-1 (11-12) Towards rear, unseated rider 7th, in a race won by Noble Concorde (11-12) at Fairyhouse 2m 6f beg chase hvy in Apr, 12 ran.
Bronte Bay (IRE) 9-2fav (10-9) Mid-division, chased leaders from 4 out, weakened approaching last, 6th of 12, 20l behind Auroras Encore (11-1) at Uttoxeter 3m list hcp ch (1) sft.
Chaussettes (IRE) 14-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, 5th and no impression entering straight, left 4th after 2 out, kept on one pace, 4th of 16, 11l behind Wickham Street (11-12) at Tipperary 2m 4f beg chs gf in Apr.
Gonebeyondrecall (IRE) 7-2fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, 3rd 4 out, ridden in 3rd entering straight, no impression from 2 out, 6th of 15, 23l behind Coolcashin (11-12) at Thurles 2m 6f beg chs gd in Oct.
Leap O'Faith (IRE) 50-1 (11-2) Soon moderate 5th, no danger and kept on same pace without threatening from 5 out, 4th of 8, 29l behind Emmpat (11-7) at Listowel 2m nov chs gd in Sep.
Markey Cee (IRE) 20-1 (10-13) Chased leaders, 6th 6 out, weakened from 4 out, 13th of 23, well behind Carrigdhoun (11-3) at Cork 3m hcp hdl 80-102 in Mar.
Rocco's Hall (IRE) 33-1 (10-2) Prominent, led briefly 5th, ridden in 3rd approaching 3 out, no extra from next, 9th of 21, 14l behind Dorset Square (9-12) at Punchestown 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-145 gd in Apr.
Supreme Seabird (IRE) 33-1 (11-12) Chased leaders early, keen hold and led before 6th, mistake and headed 4 out, weakened from before straight, tailed off, 11th of 12, well behind Quiscover Fontaine (11-9) at Limerick 2m 3f beg chase hvy in Jan.
Hampstead Heath (IRE) 12-1 (10-11) Held up in rear, good headway 5 out, close 5th 3 out, quickened to lead before diving at final fence, stayed on well run-in, won at Tipperary 2m 4f beg chs gf in Apr beating Glacial Promise (11-12) by 2l, 13 ran.