tracked leader in 2nd, led 14th, slow 5 out (rubys double) and next (water splash) where headed briefly, asserted approaching last where mistake, driven out run-in
tracked leaders when fell 4th (rubys double)
chased leaders mainly 4th, in touch 4 out, soon ridden and no extra
settled behind leaders mainly 3rd, closed 5 out, outpaced briefly after 2 out before closing again into 2nd before last, no impression on run-in
led, headed 14th, led briefly 4 out, ridden and dropped to 3rd approaching last, no extra and kept on one pace
tracked leaders when fell 4th (rubys double)
chased leaders mainly 5th, in touch 4 out, soon ridden and no extra from next
L'AMI won this last year when long odds-on and will be at short odds to follow up. Enda Bolger's classy veteran warmed up with a cracking victory in a novice hurdle at Galway and shows no signs of losing the impetus that will see him fancied for the major cross-country races this winter. His trainer is also represented by King Johns Castle, a useful chaser on his day but who showed his temperamental side when refusing to race in the Grand National. Lord Nellerie has been in good form between the flags and scored at Lingstown a couple of weeks ago but he was beaten a long way in this a year ago and a place is the best he can hope for.
L'ami (FR) 8-1 (11-0) Led, disputed from 5 out, ridden to assert after 2 out, kept on well from before last, won at Galway 2m 4f nh nov hdl gd in Oct beating Askanna (11-2) by 2 1/2l, 8 ran.
Nipper John (IRE) 9-2 (10-7) Led and soon clear, reduced advantage 4th, headed 5th, 5th under pressure after 4 out, one pace from next, 5th of 9, 14l behind Mantell (10-3) at Limerick 2m hcp hdl 80-102 sft.
Chance Your Arm (IRE) 6-1 (12-0) Mid-div, in rr when rdn along app 4out, no extra from 2out, 8th of 12, 34l behind Isle Of Gold (12-0) at Rockfield 3m ire ptp gs.
King Johns Castle (IRE) 3-1 (12-0) Tr ldrs, 4th 1/2way, 2nd when mist 3out, no extra and dropped to 3rd close home, 3rd of 7, 4 1/2l behind Top Twig (12-0) at Rockfield 3m ire ptp gs.
Lord Nellerie (FR) 14-1 (11-5) Led, headed before 2 out, no extra in 2nd approaching last, kept on one pace, 3rd of 18, 3 1/2l behind Freneys Well (11-12) at Punchestown 3m 1f crs cntry chs (5yo+) gd in Apr.
Present Citizen (IRE) 4-1 (12-0) Ld & jw, chall 5out, hdd bef 3out where mstk & ur when still wth ev ch, in a race won by French Accordion (12-0) at Glenbane 3m ire ptp gd in Oct, 5 ran.
The Halfway Bar (IRE) 8-1 (10-13) Chased leaders, 4th after 4 out, lost place and no extra from before straight, 9th of 16, 13l behind Ballistraw (11-1) at Gowran Park 3m hts chs sft in Mar.
