raced in 4th, jumped left 2nd and reminders, went 3rd from 4 out and soon pushed along, no impression and kept on same pace from before last
raced in rear, went 4th after 3 out, no impression before last and kept on same pace run-in
raced in 3rd, dropped to rear after 3 out and soon no extra
tracked leader in 2nd, took closer order from 4 out, improved to dispute lead before last, pushed along to lead run-in, eased close home
led, pressed from 4 out, joined before last, ridden and headed run-in, kept on same pace closing stages
At this time a year ago IDENTITY THIEF was winning the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle before placed efforts in Grade 1 races at Leopardstown and here. He made a spectacular start over fences over this track and trip last month, where he jumped superbly, and is obviously a very high-class recruit. His stable also run Ordinary World and Attribution, 1-2 at Fairyhouse last month with the form given a boost by the subsequent victory of the runner-up. Ball D'arc started odds-on in that Fairyhouse event but unshipped his rider at the first though he's since redeemed himself with a very good run in a Grade 3 here before scoring at Wexford. Bentelimar is a Listed class hurdler but is thrown in at the deep end for his chasing bow.
Attribution Evensfav (11-12) Tracked leader in 2nd, almost on terms 2 out, soon led narrowly, ridden after last, kept on best, won at Naas 2m Good - Yielding in Nov beating Minella Scamp (11-12) by 1 1/4l, 7 ran.
Ball D'Arc (FR) 4-7fav (11-12) Chased leader, challenged before straight, narrow lead before 2 out, ridden after 2 out, stayed on best run-in, won at Wexford 2m gd in Oct beating Our Dougal (11-12) by 3l, 8 ran.
Bentelimar (IRE) 11-4 (11-0) Held up behind leaders, 3rd halfway, improved to challenge 2 out, ridden in 2nd before last, no impression run-in and kept on same pace, 2nd of 5, 5l behind De Plotting Shed (11-10) at Thurles 2m 6f gd in Oct.
Identity Thief (IRE) 2-11fav (11-12) Close up and soon clear of remainder, jumped well, on terms from 3rd, led after 5 out, asserted approaching last, stayed on strongly run-in, easily, won at Punchestown 2m Yielding in Oct beating O Ceallaigh (11-12) by 14l, 8 ran.
Ordinary World (IRE) 6-1 (11-12) Soon led and disputed, jumped well, led before straight and asserted before 2 out, stayed on well run-in, comfortably, won at Fairyhouse 2m gd in Oct beating Attribution (11-12) by 4l, 7 ran.
