CASEY TOP certainly deserved his maiden success at Killarney in July and has continued to go really well in decent novice company. This is his trip and his recent second to the useful Sivota here sets the standard. First Lieutenant has always been well regarded so it was no surprise that he went off odds-on in a decent novice event at Fairyhouse. However, he didn't appear to act on the soft ground and could only finish third behind Aughnacurraveel. Moscow Storm is progressing nicely but will need to brush up his jumping and a more interesting entry is Gordon Elliott's Dantes King, a very impressive winner on his only start between the flags at Maralin in February.
Casey Top (IRE) 7-4fav (10-10) Led, joined after 4 out, led again before 2 out, soon ridden, headed last, not pace of winner, kept on, 2nd of 12, 4l behind Sivota (11-1) at Navan 2m 6f hdl sft in Sep.
First Lieutenant (IRE) 8-11fav (11-10) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, lost place before 5 out where moderate 6th, ridden into 5th 2 out, no impression in 4th last, kept on same pace run-in, 3rd of 9, 8l behind Aughnacurraveel (11-10) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f nh nov hdl in Nov.
Dantes King (IRE) 3-1 (12-0) Alw cl up, disp aftr 3out, eased clr 2out, alw in command, won at Maralin 3m ire ptp sft in Feb beating Havingotascoobydo (12-0) by 6l, 11 ran.
Henro Boy (IRE) 9-1 (11-12) Held up in touch, progress 4 out, 8th next, 4th after 2 out, kept on same pace from last, 3rd of 25, 3 1/2l behind Medical Card (11-12) at Naas 2m 3f mdn hdl sft in Nov.
Moscow Storm (IRE) 11-2 (11-4) Mid-division, slight mistake 4 out, went moderate 2nd before straight, ridden to close when hit 2 out, not fluent last, no impression and kept on same pace run-in, 2nd of 13, 8l behind Gala Dancer (11-4) at Fairyhouse 2m 2f mdn hdl gf in Oct.
Stop At Nothing (IRE) 28-1 (11-12) Left at start, took no part, in a race won by Shop Dj (11-7) at Cork 2m 3f mdn hdl sft, 22 ran.
Twentypoundluck (IRE) 7-2fav (11-0) Chased leaders, ridden 7th, weakened approaching 3 out, 7th of 13, 43l behind Spock (11-0) at Worcester 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gd in Oct.
