Verdict

The race conditions appear to give ITSALONGLONGROAD every chance of adding to his recent tally of two chase victories and another at Dundalk. Simon Torrens' claim is a major plus for John McConnell's charge and the 14lb he'll be receiving from Dis Donc should be enough to see off Noel Meade's entry, who has now had eight starts over fences without winning. Arahecan also has to concede the same amount and he followed a victory over 2m4f here with a poor run over this trip at Limerick when Disc Donc finished in front of him and Diamond Turf a long way behind. Stansfield makes his handicap debut and may prove best of the remainder.

Formwatch

Arahecan (IRE) 11-1 (11-9) Waited with early, soon tracked leaders until 8th before 5th, slightly impeded 6th, moderate 6th from 3 out, soon 7th and no impression, one pace, 5th of 10, dist behind Dinny Lacey (11-5) at Limerick 2m 2f hvy in Dec.

Diamond Turf (FR) 20-1 (11-5) Prominent, slightly bumped with rival 2nd, not fluent 4th, 7th before 5th where not fluent, slightly impeded 6th, soon no impression, slight mistake 4 out and no extra, 7th of 10, dist behind Dinny Lacey (11-5) at Limerick 2m 2f hvy in Dec.

Dis Donc (FR) 8-1 (11-5) Tracked leaders, slight mistake 2nd, 5th before 5th, slight mistake 4 out, 4th and slight mistake 3 out, soon pushed along, no extra from before 2 out, 4th of 10, 31 1/4l behind Dinny Lacey (11-5) at Limerick 2m 2f hvy in Dec.

The White Volcano (IRE) 12-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, 5th 5 out, pushed along approaching 2 out, soon no impression and no extra run-in, 6th of 15, 10 1/4l behind Lord Erskine (11-3) at Navan 2m 6f hcp sft in Nov.

Give Me A Moment (IRE) 300-1 (12-0) Mid-division, soon raced in 6th, mistake 7th, not match principals from before next, mistake 5 out and one pace, 5th of 10, dist behind Eurobot (12-0) at Thurles 2m 6f sft in Nov.

Good Luck Hope (IRE) 100-1 (12-0) Waited with, pecked and brought down 1st, at Punchestown 2m 6f hvy in Jan.

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.

Mister Eddman (IRE) 18-1 (11-12) Always towards rear, mistake 2nd and slight mistake 6th, detached when mistake and unseated rider 4 out, at Fairyhouse 2m 5f hcp hvy in Jan.

Stansfield (IRE) 7-2 (12-0) Close up early, disputed 6th after 6th, closed up from before 4 out, on terms 3 out, soon pushed along, headed from 2 out, soon no impression, no extra and slight mistake last, one pace in 3rd after, 3rd of 9, 7 1/2l behind Exit To The West (11-7) at Cork 2m 4f Soft - Heavy in Jan.