held up in touch in 5th, progress approaching 3 out, 2nd 2 out, soon ridden, no impression from last, kept on same pace
tracked leader in 2nd, slight mistake 8th, 3rd and driven along approaching 3 out, kept on same pace under pressure from before last
tracked leaders in 4th, close up when ridden after 4 out, 5th and in touch when fell 3 out
made all, jumped well, pressed from before 3 out, not fluent last, ridden clear run-in, comfortably
settled 3rd, 2nd from 5 out, effort approaching 3 out, 4th and no extra from 2 out, weakened
always in rear, not fluent jumping, lost touch after 5 out, tailed off
The ground is the key to Glenstal Abbey who is much better with some give. Charlie Swan's charge made an impressive start over fences at Tipperary but unless there is plenty of rain he may find this going too quick. It was softish going when Glantara easily landed a novices' event here last month so he's another who would prefer some ease. CHICAGO GREY revelled in the fast conditions to beat Prince Erik at Galway. That was only his second start over fences and he can take this with the going in his favour. Armaramak was just touched off by Beau Michael at Galway and he loves fast going. He's taken well to fences and is an obvious threat while Glacial Promise didn't show his form at Galway and had previously been very consistent.
Armaramak (IRE) 9-2 (11-6) Settled behind leaders, 5th halfway, pushed along approaching 2 out, stayed on in 3rd entering straight, soon challenged, disputed closing stages, just held close home, 2nd of 8, nk behind Beau Michael (11-6) at Galway 2m 1f nov chs gf in Jul.
Chicago Grey (IRE) 4-1 (11-12) Mid-division, 9th halfway, headway in 6th 3 out, ridden into close 4th 2 out, stayed on to lead entering straight, strongly pressed close home, all out, won at Galway 2m 6f beg chase gf in Jul beating Prince Erik (11-12) by nk, 18 ran.
Glacial Promise (IRE) 8-1 (10-6) Mid-division, 12th halfway, ridden and weakened before 3 out, tailed off, 15th of 17, well behind Silverhand (11-3) at Galway 2m 6f hcp hdl gf in Jul.
Glantara (IRE) 7-4fav (10-10) Chased leaders, moderate 4th approaching straight, soon no impression under pressure, 5th of 11, 22l behind Matchbook (11-3) at Cork 2m 3f Conditional Handicap Hurdle (8Evens09) (4yo+).
Nintytwo Team (IRE) 5-1 (10-13) Towards rear, badly hampered and unseated rider 6th, in a race won by Invisible Man (10-8) at Galway 2m 6f chs gd in Jul, 14 ran.
It's Lou's Turn (IRE) 33-1 (11-12) Fell 5th, in a race won by Turf War (11-12) at Wexford 2m 1f beg chs gd, 15 ran.
Glenstal Abbey (IRE) 9-4fav (11-12) Chased leaders, closed 4 out, challenged and on terms 2 out, soon led, a bit green before last, pressed and stayed on well run-in, won at Tipperary 2m 4f beg chs gd in Jul beating Wise Old Owl (11-12) by 1 1/4l, 15 ran.
