held up in 4th early, bumped and mistake at 2nd, went 2nd from 7th, jumped right at 11th, ridden in 2nd when bad mistake 2 out, disputed 2nd approaching last, not fluent at last, no extra in 3rd inside final furlong
led, slight mistake 4 out, ridden 2 out, went right approaching last, strongly pressed inside final furlong, headed and no extra close home
tracked leaders disputing 2nd, bad mistake 1st, dropped to 4th at 7th, pushed along 10th, ridden 3 out, disputing 4th and no impression on leaders when left 4th 2 out, no extra
held up in touch in last, bumped at 2nd, not fluent 4th and 5th and pushed along, ridden 3 out, disputing 4th and no impression on leaders when fell 2 out
tracked leaders in 3rd, slight mistake 9th and pushed along, ridden in 3rd with plenty to do entering straight, improved into disputing 2nd when short of room on inner approaching last, switched left and ridden run-in, stayed on well to lead close home
The four-year-old Busselton beat the useful The Bosses Oscar easily at Listowel before a fair run in a Tipperary Grade 3 and only had one to beat at Cork next time. Stand Off, twice a winner over hurdles, made a convincing debut over fences at Fairyhouse and looks certain to improve while Grade 3 novice hurdle winner Frontal Assault looks a smart recruit to chasing. Expensive purchase INDIANA JONES did well over hurdles considering his pedigree is all about chasing. He was a bit unlucky not to have made a winning start over the bigger obstacles at Naas after a last-fence error and can make amends.
Frontal Assault (IRE) 16-1 (11-3) Chased leaders, slightly hampered by loose horse approaching 3rd, weakened before 2 out, 8th of 22, 18 1/4l behind Galopin Des Champs (11-9) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp (2) gs in Mar.
Indiana Jones (FR) 20-1 (12-0) Led narrowly, headed before 2nd, led after 4th, slightly hampered by loose horses before 6th, pecked 2 out, ridden and kept on run-in, headed closing stages, 2nd of 18, 2 1/4l behind Mr Incredible (12-0) at Naas 2m 3f Yielding in Nov.
Presented Well (IRE) 12-1 (11-5) In touch, 4th after 5th, not fluent at 6th, moderate 4th 4 out, progress before 2 out, ridden and stayed on after last, never nearer, 4th of 10, 6l behind Global Equity (11-5) at Galway 2m 2f sft in Oct.
Wingin A Prayer (IRE) 20-1 (12-0) Chased leaders, 4th at 7th where not fluent, dropped to 6th after 3 out, no impression 2 out, 7th of 18, 18l behind Mr Incredible (12-0) at Naas 2m 3f Yielding in Nov.
Busselton (FR) 1-3fav (11-2) Led and clear, slight mistake at 5th, not fluent at 6th, increased advantage after 8th, not fluent at 9th, kept on well, eased run-in, very easily, won at Cork 2m 4f gd in Oct beating Coach Carter (11-12) by dist, 2 ran.
Choungaya (FR) 150-1 (11-6) Always towards rear, never a factor, no impression in rear before 4 out, no extra, last of 6, dist behind Riviere D'etel (10-5) at Punchestown 2m 1f (1) Yielding in Nov.
Stand Off (IRE) 3-1 (11-5) Held up in touch in rear, slight mistakes 3rd and 4th, briefly pushed along 5th, headway into 3rd 2 out, pushed along in 2nd before last, led at last, stayed on well under hands and heels, won at Fairyhouse 2m Good - Yielding in Nov beating Stansfield (11-9) by 2 1/4l, 7 ran.
