Ted Veale's close second to Sizing Rio in a Grade 3 here last month sets the standard though he doesn't appear to have as much scope as TOUCH THE EDEN, who gets the vote. Willie Mullins introduced the French import at Thurles three weeks ago and he impressed in defeating his stablemate Raise Hell. He'll need to improve again but that shouldn't be a problem and a Grade 1 entry over Christmas suggests he's held in high regard. Art Of Logistics is progressing nicely and battled to victory at Down Royal while Sizing Jo'burg won very easily at Downpatrick, though may do better over a longer trip than this.
Ted Veale (IRE) 10-1 (11-1) Held up towards rear, headway in 5th 3 out, ridden into 3rd 2 out, stayed on into 2nd last, pressed winner run-in, no extra close home, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Sizing Rio (10-12) at Navan 2m nov hdl Grd 3 (1) in Nov.
Touch The Eden (FR) 4-7fav (11-12) Tracked leaders in 4th, improved to lead after 3 out, ridden clear from 2 out, ran on strongly, eased close home, won at Thurles 2m mdn hdl in Nov beating Raise Hell (11-4) by 8l, 18 ran.
Art Of Logistics (IRE) 11-10fav (11-9) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead approaching last where joined, stayed on best run-in to edge ahead near line, won at Down Royal 2m mdn hdl gs in Nov beating Toye Native (10-6) by nk, 14 ran.
Sizing Jo'burg (IRE) 9-4 (11-4) Tracked leaders in 3rd, headway into 2nd approaching 2 out and led last, driven out to assert run-in, stayed on well, won at Downpatrick 2m 2f 4yo mdn hdl sft in Nov beating Sarabad (11-4) by 10l, 9 ran.
