Verdict
Jumping will be the name of the game here as some of the principals have yet to get their act together over fences. Potential punters will need to ignore the last run of JOHANNISBERGER as there was something amiss when he pulled up at Punchestown. He's been given a few weeks to get over his ailment and his earlier form, especially when beaten just a length by Tofino Bay, entitles him to the vote. Toostrong finished a well beaten third in that Punchestown event but that should have brought him on and has to be on the short-list. Realt Mor has failed to finish twice in five starts over fences and has yet to fulfil his potential but Shinrock Paddy looks a big threat. He was sent back over hurdles after failing to score in seven starts over fences but has some strong form to his credit and looks capable of better.
Formwatch
Benash (IRE) 4-1 (10-9) Always rear, pulled up after 7th, in a race won by Ballinahow Lady (10-2) at Wexford 2m 6f chs gd in Oct, 8 ran.
Forty Foot Tom 16-1 (10-0) Disputed lead early, led from 3rd, headed next, weakened from 4 out, 22nd of 28, well behind Abbey Lane (10-8) at Leopardstown 2m hcp hdl 0-145 hvy in Jan.
Illicit Encounter (IRE) 50-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, weakened from 3 out, pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Jennies Jewel (11-2) at Naas 2m 3f mdn hdl in Jan, 17 ran.
Johannisberger (IRE) 7-2 (11-12) Always rear, niggled along before halfway and trailing when pulled up after 6 out, in a race won by Madam Bovary (11-5) at Punchestown 2m 4f beg chase hvy in Jan, 16 ran.
Kilavalley (IRE) 25-1 (11-4) Mid-division, weakened 3 out, pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Shariyan (11-1) at Leopardstown 2m 4f hcp hdl 8Evens23 in Jan, 26 ran.
Realt Mor (IRE) 11-2 (11-12) Mistake and unseated rider 1st, in a race won by Home Farm (11-12) at Fairyhouse 2m 5f beg chase sft in Feb, 13 ran.
Shinrock Paddy (IRE) 20-1 (11-7) Soon in rear, no extra from 4 out, completely tailed off, 13th of 15, well behind Come To The Party (10-1) at Cork 2m 4f hcp hdl sft in Nov.
Toostrong (FR) 3-1fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, headway into 3rd 3 out and went 2nd entering straight, soon ridden and no impression on winner from 2 out, dropped to 3rd and no extra before last, 3rd of 16, 12l behind Madam Bovary (11-5) at Punchestown 2m 4f beg chase hvy in Jan.
Witness Of Fashion (IRE) 33-1 (11-9) Always in rear, detached from 5 out, last of 6, well behind Western Leader (11-12) at Fairyhouse 2m 5f beg chase hvy in Jan.
Personal Shopper 25-1 (9-11) Always towards rear, 9th of 10, well behind Ballyfinboy (10-0) at Navan 2m 7f hcp hdl 80-109 in Nov.