in rear, progress into 9th 2 out, pushed along entering straight, kept on without threatening, never nearer
mid-division, 7th 3 out, ridden in 6th next, soon no impression
tracked leaders, 3rd 3 out, soon ridden and weakened
led and disputed, led from 3 out, ridden clear entering straight, stayed on well from last, comfortably
soon tracked leaders, 4th 3 out, ridden in 4th next, went 2nd before last, no impression on winner run-in, kept on one paced
towards rear, some progress after 3 out, pushed along in moderate 8th after 2 out, kept on same pace
tracked leaders, 6th 3 out, 7th next, ridden entering straight, moderate 5th at last, kept on without threatening run-in
led and disputed, slight mistake 4th, headed 3 out, ridden from next, no impression on winner and dropped to 3rd before last. kept on same pace run-in
rear of mid-division, slight mistake 3 out, soon ridden and no impression, never a factor
tracked leaders, 5th 3 out, ridden and weakened from next, eased before last
always towards rear on outer, no impression from 3 out, never a factor
Angus Milan needed a much stiffer test of stamina than he received in two bumpers at Downpatrick and should be a force here while Heck Thomas is much better than we saw at Cork last time, his first start for two years. Glenbane point-to-point winner Salsa Sensation looks a nice acquisition for Ted Walsh while Fletcher will come in for support after a fair debut over the course and distance where he was going on at the finish. The two newcomers, Champione and MENTOR, could be anything and this isn't the most difficult of starts. Aidan O'Brien doesn't saddle many jump-breds and a chance is taken that the latter will be ready to do himself justice.
Abrahams Blessing (IRE) 100-1 (10-13) Mid-division, moderate 6th halfway, no impression, never a factor, 5th of 12, 45l behind Avant Tout (11-10) at Tramore 2m mdn hdl sft.
Angus Milan (IRE) 13-8fav (12-0) Raced in 3rd, dropped to 4th 6f out, ridden over 3f out, no impression on winner from 2f out and kept on into 2nd close home, 2nd of 7, 15l behind Young Dillon (12-0) at Downpatrick 2m 2f ldy N H flat gd in Aug.
Captain Ahab (IRE) 20-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, ridden in 5th entering straight, no extra before last and weakened, 7th of 11, well behind Drumlee Lad (10-13) at Down Royal 2m mdn hdl sft in Dec.
Fletcher (IRE) 66-1 (11-12) Towards rear, 11th halfway, some progress straight and 8th last, kept on run-in, 6th of 13, 10l behind Windsor Park (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m 4f mdn hdl sft in Dec.
Heck Thomas (IRE) 4-1 (11-12) Held up, moderate 12th before 4th, went moderate 6th from 4 out, soon no impression, 5th of 14, 42l behind Pulled Mussel (11-12) at Cork 2m 4f mdn hdl sft in Nov.
Kansas City Chief (IRE) 66-1 (11-12) Towards rear, a little keen, inclined to jump left, no impression from 4th, tailed off, 7th of 9, 47l behind Vent De La Cote (11-12) at Cork 2m mdn hdl hvy.
Rock On Fruity (IRE) 7-1 (11-12) Towards rear, 12th halfway, took closer order before 4 out, ridden after next and no impression from before straight, 6th of 14, 27l behind Irish Bulletin (11-9) at Limerick 2m 3f mdn hdl hvy in Dec.
Salsa Sensation (IRE) 5-2 (11-6) Rcd 3rd, 2nd frm 1/2way, chall 3out, cl 3rd but no ex aftr 2out & lft disp last, ld 50 yards out, fortunate, won at Glenbane 3m ire ptp gd in Nov beating Glengra (12-2) by 1l, 11 ran.
Champione (IRE) Tikkanen gelding out of Star Trix.
Lisa's Legacy 2-1 (11-10) Soon led, raced on outer, wide on bend after 3rd, pressed 3 out, slight mistake next, soon headed, one pace from before last, 2nd of 6, 7l behind Walk To Freedom (11-10) at Cork 2m mdn hdl hvy.
Mentor (IRE) Vertical Speed gelding out of Pure Beautiful.
