held up off pace in 4th, moderate 3rd approaching straight, no impression on leader in moderate 2nd 2 out, driven after 2 out, kept on, never on terms
raced off pace in 3rd, moderate 2nd after 3 out, no impression on leader in moderate 3rd 2 out, driven after 2 out, kept on one pace
towards rear, raced off pace in 5th halfway, some progress to moderate 4th before 2 out, no impression on leader
led and soon 15 lengths clear, increased advantage after 2nd, travelled well 2 out, not fluent last, very easily
rear, raced off pace in 6th halfway, no impression in detached 7th before 2 out, no extra, never a factor
tracked clear leader in 2nd, driven after 3 out and soon dropped to moderate 4th, weakened to moderate 5th before 2 out, no extra
in rear, raced off pace in 7th halfway, moderate 6th before 2 out, no extra, never a factor
NOBLE EMPEROR (NAP) was on a mark of 140 when landing a Grade 2 novice chase at Navan last February. He won over hurdles in December and can get back to winning ways after a recent run over fences. Lord Ben has generally competed at a high level, especially over fences, and he can be given a good chance off what looks a fair mark. Velocity Boy was conceding 24lb when beaten four lengths by Lilshane at Navan so has to be considered along with Mr Cosmopolitan, winner of a handicap at Naas in February before a moderate effort back there a couple of weeks later.
Noble Emperor (IRE) 4-1jfav (11-2) Held up, 7th after 4th, bad mistake 6th, appeared held 4 out, went moderate 6th approaching straight, jumped left 2 out, stayed on well run-in without reaching winner, 2nd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Toon River (11-2) at Gowran Park 2m 2f hcp hvy in Mar.
Cliff House (IRE) 14-1 (11-10) Chased leaders, not fluent 2nd, weakened approaching last, 10th of 15, dist behind Blazer (11-2) at Leopardstown 2m hcp hvy in Feb.
Blacklough (IRE) 8-1 (10-9) Held up, 12th early, 10th from 7th, moderate 11th before straight, no extra, 11th of 15, dist behind Page Turner (10-11) at Limerick 2m 4f hcp Soft - Heavy in Dec.
Velocity Boy (IRE) 5-1fav (11-6) Held up towards rear, progress into 5th 3 out, ridden before 2 out, no impression last, kept on same pace run-in, 5th of 11, 7l behind Last Goodbye (11-6) at Cork 2m 3f hcp hvy in Mar.
Lord Ben (IRE) 20-1 (10-4) Led, slight mistake 5th, ridden and headed early straight, no extra in 3rd last, kept on one pace, 3rd of 10, 8 1/2l behind Copy That (9-12) at Leopardstown 2m hcp hvy in Dec.
Mr Cosmopolitan (IRE) 9-1 (11-3) Prominent, soon 2nd, pushed along briefly at stages, slight mistake 5th, 5th approaching straight, soon no impression, not fluent last and eased run-in, tailed off, 10th of 15, dist behind Conright Boy (11-1) at Naas 2m hcp Soft - Heavy in Feb.
Definite Earl (IRE) 14-1 (11-0) Towards rear, 9th halfway, pushed along and no impression in 10th entering straight, no extra, 9th of 13, 26 1/4l behind Whatsforuwontgobyu (11-4) at Leopardstown 2m hcp hvy in Dec.
Reafadda (IRE) 25-1 (10-12) Settled 3rd, progress to 2nd halfway, 3rd at 8th, ridden and dropped to 5th before 3 out, no extra in 6th after 3 out, completely tailed off, 6th of 8, dist behind Monasteradenpauric (11-4) at Limerick 2m 5f hcp hvy in Mar.
