led to 2nd, remained prominent, 2nd halfway, 3rd 5 out, ridden in 4th after 3 out, left 2nd after 2 out, soon no impression on winner, kept on one pace
always prominent, 3rd halfway, 2nd 5 out, driven along after next, 3rd and no impression on winner after 2 out, kept on one pace
always behind, trailing from 4 out
never a factor, moderate 7th halfway, no impression in 6th when mistake 4 out, no extra in straight
always towards rear, mistake 10th, slow 4 out, tailed off
chased leaders, 4th halfway, moderate 5th 5 out, ridden and no impression from next, left moderate 4th after 2 out
always towards rear, trailing from 4 out
tracked leaders on inner, 5th halfway, went 3rd when mistake 4 out, 2nd after next, pushed along when blundered badly 2 out, not recover
mid-division when mistake and sprawled badly on landing 8th, not recover and pulled up
led from 2nd, jumped well, 5 lengths advantage approaching 4 out, slightly hampered by loose horse early straight, drew clear before last, easily
mid-division on outer, 7th when mistake and under pressure at 9th
Alpha Ridge has generally competed at a very high level including when runner-up to Pandorama in the Drinmore at Fairyhouse a year ago. He hasn't quite fulfilled early promise over fences and, though this looks his easiest task to date, his jumping left something to be desired at Ballinrobe last time. After two fair efforts over fences, Some Target will appreciate this stiffer test and looks a live threat though both Gran Torino and ROYAL DE LA THINTE look to have futures at this game and it's the latter who just gets the vote as his second to Bostons Angel on his debut under Rules at Down Royal has been given an almighty boost by the winner. Gran Torino makes his chasing bow after an excellent run behind Sizing Mexico over timber at Thurles and, along with another chasing newcomer, Ballymak, should be kept an eye on for the future.
Alpha Ridge (IRE) 11-8fav (10-12) Led after 2nd, jumped left throughout, clear 5 out, reduced advantage after mistake 3 out, ridden and strongly pressed 2 out, headed after last, kept on, 2nd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Farringdon (10-12) at Ballinrobe 2m 6f chs in Sep.
Ballymak (IRE) 4-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, improved to lead before 6th, jumped right and challenged 3 out, jumped right last two, ridden and kept on well from before last, won at Navan 2m 4f mdn hdl hvy in Nov '09 beating Puyol (11-12) by 2 1/2l, 28 ran.
Captain Dreyfus (IRE) 33-1 (11-9) Held up towards rear, 9th 2 out, kept on same pace, 9th of 12, 12l behind Loup Du Saubouas (11-12) at Naas 2m beg chs sft in Nov.
Definitive Edge 9-2 (11-12) Tracked leaders, not jump well and mistakes, no impression in moderate 6th 3 out, bad mistake next, 8th of 15, well behind Quito De La Roque (11-12) at Clonmel 2m 4f beg chs.
Last Draw (IRE) 14-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, moderate 5th 3 out, soon ridden and no impression, 10th of 15, well behind Quito De La Roque (11-12) at Clonmel 2m 4f beg chs.
Pontiac (FR) 16-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, mistake and unseated rider 4th, in a race won by Quito De La Roque (11-12) at Clonmel 2m 4f beg chs, 15 ran.
Roxboro Lodge 20-1 (11-12) Always behind, 14th of 18, well behind Elysian Rock (11-12) at Cork 2m 5f beg chs sft in Nov.
Some Target (IRE) 5-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, in touch 9th halfway, ridden in moderate 4th 3 out, kept on in straight without reaching leaders, 3rd of 18, 6l behind Magnanimity (11-12) at Punchestown 2m 4f beg chs in Nov.
Gran Torino (IRE) 11-4 (11-10) Chased leaders, closed up when slight mistake 3 out, ridden into straight, on terms when pecked 2 out, soon no impression under pressure, kept on same pace, 2nd of 8, 6l behind Sizing Mexico (11-3) at Thurles 2m 6f nov hdl in Nov.
Royal De La Thinte (FR) 7-1 (11-11) Soon led, challenged 3 out, ridden and disputed before 2 out, slight mistake and headed 2 out, no extra in 2nd before last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 11, 7l behind Bostons Angel (11-12) at Down Royal 2m 4f beg chs in Nov.
Iheardu (IRE) 6-4 (11-7) Pr, ld 4th, srtgly pressed 2out, kow last, won at Killashee 3m ire ptp sft in Nov beating Oscar Davy (11-7) by 3l, 11 ran.
Boxing Along (IRE) 12-1 (11-12) Disputed early, chased leader from 3rd, led 7 out, ridden and challenged 2 out, headed and no extra before last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 16, 10l behind Leon Og (11-12) at Fairyhouse 3m beg chs hvy in Nov.
