soon raced in 2nd, on terms 3 out, led after next, pressed when left clear last, eased briefy closing stages, soon pushed out to hold on at the finish
soon led, joined 3 out, soon headed and dropped to last, pushed along approaching straight, soon no impression, left moderate 2nd at last, stayed on well to close on winner but not getting there close home
raced in rear in 3rd, closed up from 5 out, soon disputing 2nd, almost on terms 3 out, disputed lead next, pushed along in 2nd approaching straight, challenging and still every chance when fell last
Plinth has been running very well and gained his fourth victory over timber at Naas where he made all at a very sedate gallop. He'll get a much stiffer test here and Ttebbob, who was a close third and clearly unsuited by the pace, could reverse the form. Goonyella, a very useful hunter, did extremely well in staying handicaps over fences and finished runner-up in a Grade 3 novice hurdle at Clonmel in Februry though that was over 3m in very heavy going. Mireya loves testing conditions so the more rain the better and her allowance will aid her cause but the reappearance of CLONDAW COURT has been greatly anticipated and he looks the one to be on. Willie Mullins' charge is unbeaten in a point-to-point, a bumper and twice over hurdles, the latest over this trip at Thurles in January where he beat a small field in the style of a potentially top-class stayer.
Plinth (IRE) 11-4 (11-3) Led at sedate pace, 2 lengths clear at 6th, reduced margin and ridden after 2 out, not fluent at last, driven and kept on best, won at Naas 2m 4f hdl beating Macnicholson (11-4) by 1 1/2l, 4 ran.
Goonyella (IRE) 10-1 (10-6) Tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, mistake 12th, ridden in 5th entering straight, under pressure and no impression in 6th before last, 7th of 26, 11l behind Shutthefrontdoor (10-13) at Fairyhouse 3m 5f hcp chs (1) in Apr.
Mireya (IRE) 9-2fav (10-10) Held up, 8th halfway, moderate 6th before 3 out, ridden and no impression before straight, kept on into 4th before last, kept on same pace run-in, 4th of 9, 3l behind Mrs Mac Veale (11-3) at Thurles 2m 4f mrs hcp hdl gd.
Clondaw Court (IRE) 4-6fav (11-5) Chased leader in 2nd, improved to lead entering straight, clear before last, ridden briefly run-in, easily, won at Thurles 2m 6f nov hdl sft in Jan beating Horendus Hulabaloo (11-2) by 18l, 4 ran.
Ttebbob (IRE) 4-1 (11-0) Held up 4th at sedate pace, ran freely, improved to 3rd at 6th, soon 4th, travelling well before 2 out, pushed along after 2 out, ridden after last and stayed on well to 3rd, nearest finish, 3rd of 4, 2l behind Plinth (11-3) at Naas 2m 4f hdl.
