Blazing West had been in good form before completing a double and though facing slightly better rivals from 5lb higher can make a bold bid for the hat-trick. The Conker Club has gone a long time without winning over timber but there's no doubt she's dropped to a fair mark and should get into the hunt. Presenting Mahler is a consistent performer but doesn't win very often so this can go to WHISTLE DIXIE (NAP). Gordon Elliott's mare did well in bumpers and has already shown she can be better over hurdles despite being beaten when long odds-on for her debut. She made amends with an easy victory on heavy going at Navan and is likely to prove much better than a 119-rated handicapper in the future. Good As Gold is just 5lb higher than when successful here in April and is another with prospects of place money.
Whistle Dixie (IRE) 1-3fav (11-7) Tracked leaders early, 8th from 4th, not fluent and hampered 7th, closed towards outer into straight, challenged 2 out where not fluent, led approaching last, soon clear, ridden out and stayed on well run-in, easily, won at Navan 2m 4f mdn hvy in Dec beating Side Saddle (11-7) by 9l, 14 ran.
Is Herself About (IRE) 20-1 (10-6) Led early, tracked leaders, slight mistake 3rd, slow jump 5th, 6th 4 out, no extra from next, 7th of 10, 35 3/4l behind Real Steel (11-10) at Punchestown 2m hcp gd in May.
Good As Gold 20-1 (10-2) Tracked leaders, pushed along in 5th before straight, no extra approaching last,, 6th of 15, 19 1/2l behind Blue Hell (10-12) at Fairyhouse 2m hcp Soft - Heavy in Nov.
Presenting Mahler (IRE) 9-1 (11-3) In rear, pushed along approaching straight, no impression after 2 out, moderate 4th from last, one pace, 4th of 5, 8l behind Roman Gold (11-7) at Thurles 2m 6f sft in Nov.
Blazing West (IRE) 11-4fav (11-7) Chased leader in 2nd, slight mistakes 2nd, 3rd and 5th, challenged entering straight, ridden to dispute before 2 out, led after 2 out, strongly pressed before last where disputed, kept on best run-in to assert closing stages, won at Fairyhouse 2m hcp hvy in Dec beating Exit Seven (10-3) by 3/4l, 11 ran.
Comehere Hi (IRE) 10-1 (11-1) Held up, 9th before straight, soon pushed along, no impression from after 2 out, one pace, 8th of 10, 15l behind All You Need (11-11) at Naas 2m hcp Yielding in Nov.
Jackemil (IRE) 20-1 (11-9) Chased leaders, slight mistake 2nd, pushed along approaching straight, soon briefly tight for room on inner, not much room again briefly after 2 out, one pace, 7th of 11, 13 1/4l behind Long House Island (11-9) at Thurles 2m hcp sft in Nov.
The Conker Club (IRE) 11-1 (11-3) Mid-division, 8th halfway, progress to go 3rd 2 out, ridden to challenge last, under pressure and kept on run-in, not match winner close home, 2nd of 16, 1/2l behind Court Challenge (11-11) at Gowran Park 2m hcp sft in Nov.
Popboru (IRE) 7-1 (10-11) Soon tracked leaders, mistake 3rd, disputed 4th before straight, one pace approaching last, 8th of 21, 11l behind Fighting Days (10-7) at Punchestown 2m hcp sft in Dec.
All Summer Long (GER) 14-1 (9-12) Chased leaders, slight mistake 1st, 5th halfway, ridden 3 out, no extra entering straight, 9th of 16, 16 3/4l behind Oscar Sam (10-10) at Punchestown 2m 4f hcp hvy in Dec.
