Spare Brakes has had a couple of runs over hurdles but reverts to fences on a higher mark. Chief Of Police ran well behind Hoke Colburn at Punchestown early last month, when Niccolai was behind, and has had a spin on the Flat at Dundalk but THE CHAPEL FIELD wasn't suited by having fences omitted over 2m at Naas and this should be more to his liking. He had Chalky White seven lengths behind at Thurles in November and, though the latter has definitely improved, the places can be confirmed on these terms.
Spare Brakes (IRE) 5-1 (12-0) In leading group but well behind clear leader, moderate 3rd at halfway, disputed moderate 2nd 3 out, ridden in 2nd next, no impression on easy winner, kept on one pace in 2nd run-in, 2nd of 13, 15l behind You Say Nothing (11-12) at Punchestown 2m hcp Soft - Heavy in Jan.
Allardyce 11-1 (10-12) Mid-division, ridden 4 out, weakened, last of 10, 36 3/4l behind Epson Du Houx (11-5) at Naas 2m hcp hvy in Jan.
Batcio (FR) 22-1 (10-11) Mid-division, dropped to rear at halfway, no impression from 3 out, never a factor, 9th of 10, 29 1/4l behind Epson Du Houx (11-5) at Naas 2m hcp hvy in Jan.
Chief Of Police (IRE) 22-1 (9-6) Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, pushed along entering straight, ridden and no impression over 1f out, no extra final 150 yards, 9th of 14, 3 1/4l behind Flylikeaneagle (9-12) at Dundalk 1m 3f hcp pol in Jan.
Niccolai (IRE) 20-1 (11-5) Towards rear, headway to 8th before 6th, 7th after last (normal 2 out), no impression on leader in 5th 1f out, ridden and kept on same pace, 5th of 20, 12 1/4l behind Midnight Maestro (11-10) at Leopardstown 2m 5f hcp Yielding in Dec.
Chalky White (IRE) 10-3 (10-4) Tracked leaders, slight mistake 6th, ridden in 2nd before 2 out, no impression on winner in 2nd at last, 3rd and no extra inside final furlong, 3rd of 10, 9 1/2l behind Epson Du Houx (11-5) at Naas 2m hcp hvy in Jan.
The Chapel Field (IRE) 15-2 (11-13) Tracked leaders, disputed lead at 5th, led after last (usual 3 out), ridden and strongly pressed bypassing 2 out, headed bypassing last, soon no extra, 4th of 18, 12 1/2l behind Espion Du Chenet (10-9) at Naas 2m hcp hvy in Dec.
Lacken Bridge (IRE) 25-1 (11-7) Mid-division, headway 4 out, ridden in 4th entering straight, moderate 4th 2 out, kept on one pace, 4th of 12, 14 3/4l behind Ask Heather (12-0) at Clonmel 2m 7f hcp sft in Mar.
