chased leader mainly 3rd, ridden and tried to challenge early straight, no impression in 3rd from 1f out, kept on one pace
made all, pressed early straight, pushed along and kept on well from over 1f out, asserted inside final furlong
chased leader mainly 4th, close up entering straight, soon ridden and no extra in 4th over 1f out
tracked leader in 2nd, tried to challenge early straight, soon ridden and no impression on winner from 1f out, kept on one pace
raced in 5th, close up entering straight, soon ridden and no threat under 2f out, kept on one pace
Pumbaa was ideally suited by very testing conditions at Limerick over Christmas and stayed on gallantly to beat the odds-on Quickpick Vic. He'll have similar ground here but meets a potentially very useful rival in SIZING TENNESSEE. Willie Mullins' charge looked a smart prospect when slamming Redundant Man at Punchestown with the remainder in another parish and should have few problems completing the double. Boondooma and Kandinski can both win races this season, especially the latter, who will have needed the run at Fairyhouse on New Year's Day after a very long absence.
Pumbaa (IRE) 9-1 (11-6) Chased leaders, closed up in 2nd 3f out, challenged from 2f out, led 1 1/2f out, stayed on well and clear inside final furlong, won at Limerick 2m nhf hvy in Dec beating Quickpick Vic (12-0) by 4l, 7 ran.
Sizing Tennessee (IRE) 4-6fav (11-9) Close up, led from halfway, ridden and strongly pressed entering straight, stayed on well under pressure to draw clear from over 1f out, won at Punchestown 2m 4yo nhf hvy in Dec beating Redundant Man (11-2) by 8l, 8 ran.
Boondooma (IRE) 16-1 (11-8) Held up in rear, headway to go 2nd entering straight, ridden and no impression on winner over 1f out, kept on one pace, 2nd of 5, 7l behind Briar Hill (11-12) at Thurles 2m N H flat.
Kandinski (IRE) 10-3 (11-12) Mid-division, progress into 4th 3 out, kept on same pace from next, 4th of 16, 9l behind King Of Firth (11-12) at Fairyhouse 2m mdn hdl hvy.
Carrig Rua Lady (IRE) 16-1 (10-11) Towards rear when badly hampered and unseated rider 2nd, in a race won by Living Next Door (11-4) at Limerick 2m 3f mdn hdl hvy in Nov, 9 ran.
