chased leader on inner, a bit slow 5 out, soon struggling, pulled up before 2 out
waited with well off the pace, went poor 3rd from 7 out, in pursuit of winner approaching 3 out, no impression and kept on same pace from next
soon well off the pace towards rear, went moderate 3rd and no impression approaching 3 out, kept on same pace
soon poor 3rd, 4th from 7 out, no impression in 5th and kept on same pace approaching 3 out
soon well off the pace in rear, went moderate 4th approaching 3 out, soon no impression, kept on same pace
made all, jumped well in the main, raced wide, not fluent 3rd, clear for most, a bit slow 4 out, soon in danger of defeat, stayed on well, easily
It could be a very profitable day for followers of Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh as TWINLIGHT looks the one to beat in the first division of this beginners' chase. He had useful form over hurdles in France and justified strong support in a Grade 3 at Fairyhouse in April last year on his first start for current connections. Though a faller on his fencing bow at Thurles in November, the five-year-old will have had plenty of schooling since and be sharper for a recent spin over the smaller obstacles at Galway. Winning pointer Sraid Padraig may prove the pick of Tony Martin's pair while Big Generator and Castle Wings are probably capable of better.
Big Generator 16-1 (11-12) Led and disputed, headed from 4th, remained prominent, no extra from 5 out, slight mistake and eased from next, pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by His Excellency (10-9) at Killarney 2m 1f beg chs gd in May, 13 ran.
Castle Wings (IRE) 13-2 (11-12) Towards rear for most, never a factor, 10th of 13, 40l behind Fair Dilemma (11-9) at Listowel 2m 4f beg chs sft.
Dear Boss (IRE) 25-1 (11-12) Held up towards rear, some headway into moderate 13th 3 out, kept on one pace, 8th of 18, 18l behind Johannisberger (11-12) at Roscommon 2m mdn hdl sft in Aug.
Living Next Door (IRE) 16-1 (11-12) Mid-division, weakened 4 out, last of 15, well behind House Rules (11-12) at Killarney 2m 1f beg chs sft in Aug.
Saoirse Dun (IRE) 8-1 (10-11) Towards rear, no impression from 4 out, 6th of 9, well behind Commanchewardance (10-11) at Cork 2m 4f hnt chs gd in Apr.
Twinlight (FR) 11-8fav (11-2) Tracked leader in 2nd, joined leader 5 out, soon disputed, 2nd travelling well entering straight, challenge approaching last, ridden and no extra run-in, kept on same pace, 3rd of 5, 2 1/2l behind Silverhand (11-2) at Galway 2m 4f hdl sft.
Sraid Padraig (IRE) 11-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, headway to dispute entering straight, ridden and no extra under 2f out, kept on one pace, 6th of 15, 12l behind Balnaslow (12-0) at Fairyhouse 2m 2f NH flat gs in Apr.
