waited with, moderate 6th after 4th, headway into 3rd at 6th, slight mistake 7th, no imperssion in 4th when not fluent 2 out, soon no extra
soon led, fell 2nd
chased leaders, slight mistake 1st, impeded 2nd, bad mistake 3rd, moderate 3rd after next, 4th at 6th, ridden to chase winner from 2 out and no impression, slight mistake last, kept on same pace
in rear, soon behind, kept on well without threatening straight
waited with, slightly impeded 2nd, moderate 5th after 4th, some headway straight, soon one pace
chased leaders, left chasing leader in 2nd from 2nd, inclined to jump slightly left, closed from before 4 out, soon led travelling smoothly, asserted approaching 2 out, stayed on well, easily
close up, left in lead 2nd, soon went on, jumped slightly left 8th, reduced lead from before 4 out, soon headed, no impression and slight mistake 2 out, one pace in 3rd after
soon chased leaders, moderate 4th after 4th, lost place and under pressure 6th, soon no danger, kept on without threatening straight
Jody McGarvey has been on board for all of GREAT FIELD's five victories over fences in which he's never seen another rival. He even defied a slipped saddle to land the Ryanair Novices' Chase at Punchestown and though heavy conditions may not quite be ideal he's difficult to oppose. Anibale Fly will no doubt be warming up for a crack at Grade 1 company after last season's brilliant exploits where he won the Paddy Power before placed in the Gold Cup and Grand National though this looks too short. Doctor Phoenix wasn't beaten far by the selection at Navan in March and though never looking likely to catch him he has a race fitness advantage here. Special Tiara landed the 2017 Champion Chase before continuing in the best company, watching Altior disappearing into the distance on three subsequent appearances. Castlegrace Paddy won his first two over fences but found Grade 1 company beyond him at Punchestown.
A Toi Phil (FR) 8-1 (11-10) Waited with in rear, closed up and pushed along straight, one pace in 3rd after slight mistake 2 out, 3rd of 5, 10l behind Kemboy (11-4) at Clonmel 2m 4f (1) gd in Nov.
Great Field (FR) 11-8jfav (11-12) Made all at strong pace, clear for much, reduced advantage at last, pushed along run-in, stayed on well, won at Navan 2m (1) hvy in Mar beating Doctor Phoenix (11-8) by 1 3/4l, 6 ran.
Doctor Phoenix (IRE) 16-1 (11-8) Raced in 4th, slight mistake 5th, pushed along into straight, no impression approaching 2 out, soon no extra, last of 5, 28l behind Kemboy (11-4) at Clonmel 2m 4f (1) gd in Nov.
Sumos Novios (IRE) 33-1 (11-10) Held up, 9th from 6th, no impression from before 4 out, soon weakened and pulled up 2 out, at Punchestown 3m 1f (1) Yielding in Apr.
Anibale Fly (FR) 10-1 (11-8) Hampered 1st, mid-division towards outside, took closer order 13th, hit 5 out, chased leaders after 3 out, outpaced in 4th next, soon ridden, kept on and just lost out in duel for 3rd final 110 yards, no impression with front pair, 4th of 38, 11 1/4l behind Tiger Roll (10-13) at Aintree 4m 2f hcp (1) hvy in Apr.
Castlegrace Paddy (IRE) 9-1 (11-10) Tracked leaders, 3rd 3 out, ridden entering straight, weakened from 2 out, 5th and mistake at last, 5th of 6, 30 1/2l behind Footpad (11-10) at Punchestown 2m (1) Yielding - Soft in Apr.
Special Tiara 12-1 (11-7) Kept wide, tracked leader, went left 3rd, jumped slowly 5th, left in front 8th, joined 3 out, soon headed, slightly hampered and lost 2nd 2 out, weakened approaching last, 4th of 6, 10 3/4l behind Altior (11-7) at Sandown 2m (1) gs in Apr.
Three Stars (IRE) 9-1 (11-8) Raced in 2nd, on terms from 6th, slight mistake 8th, headed 4 out, no impression in 4th when slight mistake 2 out, one pace after and slight mistake last, 5th of 7, 15 3/4l behind Penny Jane (10-5) at Cork 2m 1f hcp gd in Oct.
