Verdict

Gordon Elliott has won four of the last five and HOLLOW GAMES should have few problems keeping up the sequence. Placed twice in Grade 1 company over timber and in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham, he beat better rivals than these on his chasing debut here last month. Commandingpresence unseated in his first two starts over fences but got round without a hitch at Thurles though was beaten a long way while Sea Ducor, who won on the Flat here and over timber at Gowran, trailed home well beaten on his chasing debut over the track and trip. Francin completed a double over hurdles here in 2020 but has been beaten a long way in his two starts over fences.

Formwatch

Commandingpresence (IRE) 50-1 (11-12) Mid-division and 8th halfway, some progress into moderate 5th before 2 out, soon no extra, left 4th at last, 4th of 11, 27 1/4l behind Glengouly (11-12) at Thurles 2m 2f Yielding in Dec.

Francin (FR) 125-1 (10-11) Rear, detached before 2nd, completely tailed off 2 out, left moderate 3rd last, kept on one pace, tailed off, 3rd of 5, dist behind Jeremys Flame (10-12) at Naas 2m (1) Yielding - Soft in Nov.

Hollow Games (IRE) 7-4fav (11-12) Soon led, joined 4 out, led again next, pushed along and asserted approaching last, kept on well run-in, comfortably, won at Navan 2m 1f Yielding in Nov beating Heart Wood (11-4) by 4l, 11 ran.

Sea Ducor 28-1 (11-12) Mid-division, went 5th at 8th, ridden in moderate 7th 3 out, no impression, 7th of 15, dist behind Fil Dor (11-4) at Navan 2m 1f sft in Nov.