close up and disputed lead, in front before 2 out, went clear between last 2, stayed on well, very easily
led and disputed, not fluent 5 out, headed before 2 out, soon no impression, just held on for 2nd
raced last of the 4, niggled along from early, ridden 3 out, moderate 3rd and no impression approaching 2 out, kept on and just held for 2nd
tracked leaders, ridden in 3rd after 4 out, dropped to last and no extra approaching 2 out, soon behind
Volkis O'blue was engaged to run in the 2.15 here yesterday, a race he won last year, while the consistent Pretty Happy was due to run at Punchestown. Kilnafrehanstar looked a likely future winner when runner-up in a Listowel maiden and was made favourite for a Clonmel handicap but never got into contention. He should do better while Raven's Feather has looked as though he would be suited by this sort of trip and has more scope than most of these. LOOKOUTNOW won over fences at Downpatrick in November and though failing to take advantage of a much lower hurdles mark at Punchestown last month this looks an easier option and his rider's claim can ensure he gets back on the winning trail.
Lookoutnow (IRE) 5-1 (10-13) Soon led, headed 5 out, remained prominent, 3rd under pressure 2 out, 2nd straight, no extra from last, 3rd of 16, 8l behind Happy New Year (10-5) at Punchestown 2m 4f hcp hdl 80-109 hvy in Dec.
Raven's Feather (IRE) 12-1 (10-8) Held up towards rear, ridden before straight, 7th 3 out, no impression in 6th 2 out, kept on one pace, 5th of 13, 9l behind Carlowsantana (10-5) at Cork 2m hcp hdl 80-116 sft in Dec.
Kilnafrehanstar (IRE) 5-1fav (10-12) In rear, no impression from 4 out, 13th of 17, 44l behind Handsome Dan (10-9) at Clonmel 3m Handicap Hurdle (80-109) (5yo+) gf in Sep.
Sruleen (IRE) 66-1 (10-13) Mid-division best, never a factor, moderate 9th and kept on same pace from 4 out, 6th of 16, 45l behind Home Farm (11-4) at Thurles 2m 2f Maiden Hurdle (5-6yo) in Nov.
Volkis O'blue (FR) 14-1 (11-0) Never a factor, 11th of 16, 42l behind Happy New Year (10-5) at Punchestown 2m 4f hcp hdl 80-109 hvy in Dec.
Pretty Happy (IRE) 4-1 (11-10) Chased leaders, 6th halfway, ridden in 5th approaching straight and went 4th 2 out, no impression in 3rd before last and kept on one pace, 3rd of 8, 9l behind Playing (11-11) at Clonmel 2m 4f cond hcp hdl 80-95 in Dec.
Make It Better (IRE) 12-1 (10-13) Mid-division, 9th halfway, no impression before straight, kept on one pace, 8th of 20, 31l behind Tipped Up Harry (11-5) at Cork 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 80-95 sft in Dec.
Kizzy O (IRE) 14-1 (10-6) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, ridden and no extra 4 out, 14th of 20, 49l behind Tipped Up Harry (11-5) at Cork 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 80-95 sft in Dec.
