mid-division, switched left and headway on outer after 3 out, disputed lead before next, 2nd and pushed along approaching last, ridden and no impression on winner run-in, kept on one pace
rear of mid-division, some headway on outer in 5th 4 out, progress early straight and 3rd 2 out, pushed along approaching last, ridden and no impression run-in, kept on one pace
prominent early, dropped towards rear after 2nd, pushed along before 4 out and no impression in 8th 2 out, moderate 6th at last, kept on one pace
disputed lead early, 3rd halfway, headway to dispute lead briefly entering straight, pushed along and no impression in 5th after 2 out, soon no extra, weakened
prominent and disputed lead, 2nd at 5th, pushed along entering straight and dropped to 6th when not fluent 2 out, soon no extra, slight mistake last
led or disputed lead, led 5th, pushed along and headed entering straight, soon no extra, weakened quickly after 2 out
tracked leaders, 4th halfway, dropped towards rear before 4 out, no extra approaching straight, weakened
mid-division, headway 5th and 3rd 4 out, progress on inner to lead 2 out, ridden before last and kept on well run-in
held up towards rear, not fluent 2nd, closer after 3 out and 5th on inner next, pushed along in 4th approaching last, no impression run-in, kept on one pace
This has attracted a strong line-up headed by Royal Kahala, who is on a four-timer after three victories on this track. She had no problems seeing off Hook Up over the trip last time, with Delvino almost 13 lengths behind, though the former's yard could have the answer with GAULOISE. Willie Mullins' mare looked to have a bit in hand when beating Mighty Blue at Thurles, with Kapard a further seven lengths back, and can remain unbeaten though the latter's stablemate Brave Way could prove a threat after a close third in a Grade 3 at Down Royal back in October.
Royal Kahala (IRE) 3-1 (11-5) Tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, closer travelling well entering straight, squeezed through gap on rail after 2 out and 2nd approaching last, led run-in and drew clear closing stages, comfortably, won at Fairyhouse 2m 3f hvy in Jan beating Hook Up (11-3) by 5l, 6 ran.
Gauloise (FR) 4-5fav (10-10) Tracked leaders, 5th halfway, good headway early straight and led after 2 out, pushed along approaching last where edged right, ridden and kept on well run-in, won at Thurles 2m lst (1) sft in Dec beating Mighty Blue (10-10) by 3l, 10 ran.
Kapard 8-1 (11-0) Mid-division on outer, 6th halfway, pushed along after 3 out and some headway early straight, 4th approaching last, ridden and kept on one pace, 4th of 10, 10l behind Gauloise (10-10) at Thurles 2m lst (1) sft in Dec.
Brave Way (IRE) 11-4 (10-12) Mid-division, 5th halfway, ridden in 3rd and no impression 2 out, disputed 3rd at last, kept on one pace, 3rd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Skyace (11-2) at Down Royal 2m (1) Yielding - Soft in Oct.
Castra Vetera (IRE) 5-4fav (11-9) Disputed lead, led at 3rd (usual 4 out), ridden and joined bypassing 2 out, headed bypassing last, kept on same pace in 2nd final furlong, 2nd of 19, 4l behind Delvino (11-9) at Naas 2m mdn hvy in Dec.
Delvino (IRE) 7-2 (11-5) Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, not fluent 5th, pushed along early straight, ridden and no impression after 2 out, not fluent last, no extra, 4th of 6, 12 3/4l behind Royal Kahala (11-5) at Fairyhouse 2m 3f hvy in Jan.
Lady Heath (IRE) 50-1 (11-7) Rear of mid-division, not fluent 4 out, some headway 2 out, pushed along and no impression approaching last, kept on one pace, 9th of 20, 29 1/4l behind Wide Receiver (12-0) at Leopardstown 2m mdn Yielding in Dec.
Roseys Hollow (IRE) 10-11fav (11-9) Tracked leaders on inner, led travelling well 2 out, pushed clear before last, stayed on well under hands and heels run-in, easily, won at Fairyhouse 2m 2f mdn hvy in Jan beating Global Equity (11-9) by 4l, 14 ran.
Mighty Blue (FR) 12-1 (10-10) Tracked leaders, ran freely, 3rd on inner halfway, slight mistake 2 out, 2nd and ridden between final 2, switched left approaching last, no impression on winner run-in, kept on one pace, 2nd of 10, 3l behind Gauloise (10-10) at Thurles 2m lst (1) sft in Dec.
