led 1f, tracked clear leader, took closer order over 6f out, led on bit over 2f out, hard driven over 1f out, stayed on well
chased leaders, driven to challenge over 2f out, soon every chance, kept on same pace final furlong
held up in rear, under pressure over 5f out, soon weakened, tailed off over 3f out
led after 1f out, soon 5 lengths clear, headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, modest 4th
tracked leaders, pushed along over 6f out, soon lost place, rallied to go 3rd over 1f out, never a threat
There probably isn't a lot to choose between Ballyhenry, who ran green when scoring at Warwick, and Fairyhouse third KNOCKGRAFFON. But Dan Skelton's recent acquisition gets 7lb so is probably the one to be on as the winner of the Fairyhouse event, Stone Hard, has won easily again since and is heading to the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham. The Last Bar is a half-brother to three winning jumpers but all of them are stayers and he might be seen in a better light when faced with a set of hurdles and a longer trip.
Ballyhenry (IRE) 12-1 (10-12) Led or disputed lead throughout, driven and went on over 2f out, ridden clear when wandered slightly entering final furlong, kept on, won at Warwick 2m NH flat (6) sft in Jan beating Royal Vacation (10-12) by 4l, 10 ran.
Flashjack (IRE) Soapy Danger gelding out of Open Miss.
Organ Morgan Dylan Thomas gelding out of Abide.
Steady Eddie 16-1 (11-7) Led til ur 4, in a race won by Champagne Benefit (12-0) at Heythrop 3m ptp gd in Jan, 14 ran.
The Last Bar Kayf Tara mare out of Ardenbar.
Knockgraffon (IRE) 11-2 (11-9) Soon mid-division, 7th early, still 7th but closer order 3f out, went 3rd 1f out, kept on without threatening under pressure final furlong, 3rd of 11, 4 1/2l behind Stone Hard (11-9) at Fairyhouse 2m 4yo NH flat sft in Dec.
Brave Richard (IRE) Jeremy gelding out of Certainly Brave.
Cougar Kid (IRE) Yeats gelding out of Western Skylark.
