chased leaders in 4th for much, 5th after 5 out, no extra from before 3 out
led, ran off 1st bend, soon 2nd, a bit slow 1st, jumped right 2nd, dropped to 4th and struggling when fell 3 out
soon chased leaders in 3rd, closer in 2nd after 5 out, on terms before straight, soon led, clear last, stayed on well
soon led, jumped right 3rd, soon clear, reduced lead 6 out, joined before straight, soon headed, 3rd and no extra from 2 out
towards rear, pecked 4 out, left moderate 4th and kept on same pace from 3 out
in rear, slight mistake 3rd, closed from 5 out, 3rd 3 out, 2nd 2 out, kept on same pace under pressure from before last
This looks a competitive novice chase for the time of year with Eagle's Pass attempting to confirm Killarney running with Slieveardagh, St Devote and Trendelenburg under an additional penalty. He is probably still improving but may struggle with the extra weight and preference is for GALA DANCER. Paul Nolan's six-year-old was always travelling well within himself when making all on his fencing bow at Ballinrobe and should have plenty more to offer. Somatic has a bit to find on the book but Action Master is interesting despite only scrambling home by a short head on his first start over the larger obstacles at Kilbeggan.
Eagle's Pass (IRE) 10-3fav (11-0) Towards rear, closed to track leaders 3 out, went 2nd travelling well from last, ridden into straight, led and stayed on best closing stages, won at Galway 2m 1f hcp chs gd in Aug beating Holly Tree (9-10) by 3 1/2l, 10 ran.
Gala Dancer (IRE) 4-5fav (11-12) Made all, clear before 2 out, kept on strongly, easily, won at Ballinrobe 2m 6f beg chs gs in Aug beating Your Busy (11-12) by 7l, 10 ran.
Slieveardagh (IRE) 3-1 (11-12) Mid-division, closer in 4th 4 out, ridden after next, went 3rd from 2 out, kept on in 2nd from last, 2nd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Eagle's Pass (11-12) at Killarney 2m 4f nov chs gd in Aug.
St Devote (FR) 8-1 (11-12) Prominent, led before 6 out, joined 4 out, led again next, ridden and strongly pressed from 2 out, headed and slight mistake last, no extra run-in, 3rd of 9, 5l behind Eagle's Pass (11-12) at Killarney 2m 4f nov chs gd in Aug.
Trendelenburg (IRE) 11-4 (11-6) Settled behind leaders, 4th halfway, 3rd before 4 out, ridden into 2nd before 2 out, challenged 2 out, led briefly, no extra in 2nd last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 7, 3l behind London Bridge (11-6) at Kilbeggan 3m hdl gd.
Action Master 3-1 (11-5) Mid-division, 7th halfway, headway into 4th before 3 out, 3rd next, challenged last and pecked on landing, pushed out to dispute run-in, led on line, won at Kilbeggan 2m 4f beg chs gd in Aug beating Traffic Article (11-12) by shd, 11 ran.
Somatic (IRE) 9-2 (11-8) Waited with, closer in 4th approaching straight, kept on same pace from before 2 out, 4th of 6, 13l behind Serve Time (11-2) at Limerick 2m 6f nov chs gd in Jul.
