raced in 2nd, closed up 4 out, led from next, clear and flicked the top of 2 out, cruised up the run-in, reduced lead near finish but never troubled
raced off the pace last of the 3, niggled briefly as early as the 4th, under pressure from 4 out, closed into 2nd 2 out, soon no impression, kept on run-in to close on easy winner near finish but never going to get there
led and clear at stages, reduced lead 4 out, headed from next, dropped to last of the 3 when mistake 2 out, soon no impression
FLAXEN FLARE, winner of the Fred Winter at Cheltenham and runner-up in the Galway Hurdle, would be conceding lumps of weight in a handicap and has a simple task though it could turn into a tactical battle. Ruby Walsh was on board when the improving Massini's Trap landed a maiden at Ballinrobe a couple of weeks ago and though his mount is unlikely to provide a threat he looks much better than the moderate Choisilady.
Flaxen Flare (IRE) 11-1 (10-3) Mid-division, headway into 6th before 2 out, ridden into 3rd entering straight, kept on into 2nd run-in, no impression winner, 2nd of 20, 4l behind Missunited (10-8) at Galway 2m hcp hdl sft.
Massini's Trap (IRE) Evensfav (11-2) Settled in mid-division and 7th halfway, 4th on inner approaching straight and switched left to challenge between horses at last, soon led and kept on best run-in, won at Ballinrobe 2m mdn hdl gf beating Lady Bennett (11-5) by 1 1/2l, 15 ran.
Choisilady (IRE) 25-1 (11-0) Soon led and clear, reduced lead from 4 out, joined 2 out, headed and no extra from before last, 8th of 17, 12l behind Thomond (11-12) at Roscommon 2m mdn hdl gf.