prominent, soon chased leader, closed approaching 4 out, on terms after 3 out, pushed along and headed approaching 2 out, soon no impression, no extra approaching last, one pace
led, soon went on, slight mistake 2nd, reduced lead approaching 4 out, pushed along after 3 out and headed, under pressure and soon dropped to 3rd and no extra, just held on for 3rd at the finish
waited with towards rear, not fluent 1st, soon off pace in last, slight mistake 4th, soon pushed along, no danger and slight mistake 4 out, weakened
prominent, soon chased leader, closed approaching 4 out, on terms after 3 out, led travelling smoothly approaching 2 out, soon pushed along and asserted, stayed on strongly, impressive
waited with towards rear, slightly impeded 1st, soon off pace in 4th and never a factor, kept on same pace without threatening straight, just failed for 3rd
Saint Sam has won a couple of minor races in France for which he carries a double penalty. Druid's Altar scored on heavy ground on the Flat in September before a convincing victory in similar conditions on his hurdling bow at Punchestown. He'll improve again but Glorious Zoff was a big disappointment when sent to Sedgefield where he didn't appreciate having to make the running. He looked much better at Sligo earlier and will be expected to bounce back. His stable companion ZANAHIYR is progressing fast having followed a victory on the Flat with a nice performance at Ballinrobe where he overcame a couple of sticky jumps. He can take this as the remaining pair have plenty to do.
Saint Sam (FR) (10-10) won at Clairefontaine 2m 1f gd in Jul beating Piriac (10-5) by 2l, 11 ran.
Druid's Altar (IRE) 7-1 (11-2) Led, slow 2nd and headed, remained prominent and disputed lead from before 4 out, led after 2 out, pushed along and clear approaching last, slow last, ridden and kept on well run-in, won at Punchestown 2m 1f Soft - Heavy in Nov beating Ilmig (11-2) by 4 1/4l, 8 ran.
Wyett Earp (IRE) 16-1 (11-2) Keen, soon prominent in 3rd, led approaching 5th, not fluent 3 out and joined, mistake 2 out, soon headed and no extra straight, 5th of 8, 24 1/2l behind Alexei Vronsky (11-2) at Punchestown 2m 1f Grp 3 mdn sft in Nov.
Zanahiyr (IRE) 7-4 (11-2) Tracked leaders in 3rd early, 2nd halfway, slight mistake 3 out, disputing 2nd when left 2nd 2 out, soon pushed along to challenge, ridden after last and led final 150 yards, stayed on best, won at Ballinrobe 2m 2f mdn sft in Oct beating Dark Voyager (11-2) by 2 1/2l, 5 ran.
Rock Chica (IRE) 22-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, lost place 3 out, 6th and slight mistake next, weakened, 6th of 8, dist behind Druid's Altar (11-2) at Punchestown 2m 1f Soft - Heavy in Nov.
Glorious Zoff (IRE) 4-11fav (11-5) In touch, smooth headway to lead narrowly 3 out, clear advantage 2 out, ridden before last, collared close home, 2nd of 7, 1 1/4l behind Le Magnifique (10-12) at Sedgefield 2m 1f (4) gs in Nov.
