Verdict

John McConnell brings out ITSALONGLONGROAD quickly under a penalty for last week's victory at Tramore where he had a bit in hand. Simon Torrens again claims his 5lb and a follow-up looks on the cards. Damut is steadily finding his form though hasn't won since May 2018 but De Bennette's only victory came over hurdles on this track in January. The latter will love the conditions and looks certain to get into contention while American Image won over the track and trip in October and didn't get the run of the race at Naas next time.

Formwatch

Itsalonglongroad 7-2 (11-9) Prominent and disputed, led 5th, ridden and pressed approaching 2 out, asserted before last, kept on well, won at Tramore 1m 7f sft in Jan beating Hell On Earth (11-5) by 1 3/4l, 12 ran.

Damut (IRE) 7-1 (11-10) Prominent early, 5th at 3rd, progress before 7th, 4th after 3 out, almost on terms before 2 out, no impression on winner before last, ridden and kept on same pace run-in, 2nd of 12, 4l behind Chalky White (11-5) at Limerick 2m 2f hcp hvy in Dec.

Pateen (IRE) 50-1 (10-12) Always towards rear, slightly hampered 1st, no impression in rear 5 out, no extra, never a factor, 9th of 13, dist behind Jack Dillinger (11-12) at Thurles 2m 2f hcp sft in Dec.

Flamingo's Court (IRE) 28-1 (12-0) Tracked leaders, took keen hold, 6th at last (usual 3 out), ridden entering straight, kept on same pace final furlong, 5th of 18, 13 1/4l behind Espion Du Chenet (10-9) at Naas 2m hcp hvy in Dec.

Trumps Ace (IRE) 33-1 (10-9) Towards rear when hampered 1st, soon detached, closer in rear halfway, no impression before 4 out, no extra, never a factor, 8th of 13, 36 1/2l behind Jack Dillinger (11-12) at Thurles 2m 2f hcp sft in Dec.

Carnet De Stage (IRE) 10-1 (10-11) Waited with, 6th after 8th, pulled up quickly after 5 out, at Killarney 2m 5f hcp sft in Aug.

American Image (IRE) 14-1 (10-7) Led, mistake and rider briefly lost irons 3rd, soon joined, headed 5th, weakened entering straight, 16th of 18, dist behind Espion Du Chenet (10-9) at Naas 2m hcp hvy in Dec.

Grey Atlantic Way (IRE) 14-1 (10-7) Towards rear, 9th at 3rd, no impression in 10th after 3 out, weakened before 2 out where slightly hampered and left moderate 6th, 6th of 12, 35 1/4l behind Chalky White (11-5) at Limerick 2m 2f hcp hvy in Dec.

De Bennette (IRE) 8-1 (10-13) Prominent, 3rd after 3rd, on terms from 3 out, soon led, headed approaching last, one pace, 2nd of 15, 4 1/2l behind Danegeld (10-13) at Punchestown 2m hcp hvy in Dec.

Backintheboom (IRE) 100-1 (9-12) In rear, 12th at 3rd, good headway after 3 out, mistake in 7th 2 out and fell, at Limerick 2m 2f hcp hvy in Dec.